April 30, 2026, 12:57 PM
Germany stays calm as U.S. weighs troop withdrawal from Europe
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has responded calmly to reports that U.S. President Donald Trump may reconsider withdrawing American troops from Germany.
When asked whether the prospect unsettled him, Wadephul gave a brief "No" during an interview with RTL's Nachtjournal while traveling in Rabat, Morocco. He acknowledged that there would inevitably be "a shift in forces," noting that the U.S. had already signaled under President Barack Obama its intention to pivot more strongly toward the Pacific region. "We must take on more responsibility; we must develop broader shoulders," he said.
Wadephul emphasized that NATO's European pillar would grow stronger as a result. "This may be happening now. We will examine it together, calmly and thoroughly." He added that the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, were also preparing for potential changes. However, he ruled out the withdrawal of key U.S. bases from Germany. "The U.S. needs these locations," he said, pointing to Ramstein, Landstuhl, and Grafenwöhr, which serve "our security" as well as that of the United States.
Addressing Trump's personal attack on Chancellor Friedrich Merz on social media, Wadephul made clear that Germany would not retaliate. "No, there's no need to counterattack." He stressed that dialogue with the U.S. remained "good and productive," noting that he had spoken by phone with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, just the day before. Their discussion covered Iran and Ukraine, where he said "Germany and the U.S. hold completely aligned positions."
Wadephul also defended Merz, stating that the chancellor had "absolutely correctly issued a clear warning to Iran" to engage in serious negotiations. "That was the chancellor's message, and it was the right one—I stand by it." He added that Germany and its government were "fully united" on the matter.
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