Deutsche Welle (DW) analyst Auron Dodi, in a connection with the studio News24 has commented on recent developments between Washington and Berlin, at a time when US President Donald Trump stated that he is considering a partial withdrawal of US troops.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the strong bond between the two countries.

According to him, 36.400 American soldiers are currently stationed in Germany, out of 86.000 American soldiers who are in Europe.

Full interview:

News24: What attention has President Trump's statement attracted in Germany?

A. Dodi: President Trump's statement is one of the most commented on in the German media these days. The American president said on his social network on Wednesday that "the United States is currently considering and evaluating a possible reduction in the presence of troops in Germany."

There are currently 36.400 American soldiers stationed in Germany, out of 86.000 American soldiers in Europe.

The US President made the statement about a partial withdrawal after Chancellor Merz claimed that the US was acting “without a strategy” in Iran. Trump responded that Merz did not know what he was talking about, and “it is no wonder that Germany is doing so badly, both economically and otherwise.”

Chancellor Merz explained the statement about the US and Iran to the media by saying that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has "a direct impact on our energy supply" and "a massive impact on our economic performance."

On the other hand, President Trump declared during his first term that he would withdraw troops from Germany, as Germany was not investing enough in defense. In the end, the withdrawal was not implemented.

How did the German government react to Trump's warning?

We have calm reactions from key German leaders. This is also because this American administration has made it clear that it will finally implement what has been declared since President Obama: a US focus on the Indo-Pacific. President Trump hardened his tone against Europe as soon as he returned to power.

At the same time, according to the German newspaper Die Welt, neither the Pentagon nor the German side had planned a concrete reduction of US troops in Germany. But in Germany there seems to be at least some mental preparation.

Thus, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that “we are prepared for this; we discuss it closely and confidentially in all NATO bodies”. He said that the German Armed Forces are also preparing for possible changes. In this context, Wadephul said that “we must take more responsibility”.

Washington's statement came as the Commander of US forces in Europe and Africa just observed a joint exercise in Münster, Germany. "A good sign," said Chancellor Merz, who added that "I personally hold this transatlantic partnership particularly close to my heart."

What is the mission of US troops in Germany?

Since the Cold War, Germany has seen American troops here as protection for the country, that is undeniable.

But former senior US military officials in Germany have made it clear that the primary mission of US troops in Germany is to serve American interests. This was now echoed by a well-known German military expert, Nico Lange. He recalled that “these bases… among other things, support US operations in the Middle East and the projection of American power around the world.” The forces in Germany are crucial to Washington’s global military presence and nuclear deterrence.

US congressmen and German experts are taking President Trump's warning seriously. At the same time, German Foreign Minister Wadephul does not expect the Americans to withdraw the large bases from here. He said that they serve "our security" as much as the security of the United States.

What are considered the most important US bases in Germany?

The German Foreign Minister was referring to the Ramstein base, the Landstuhl hospital and the Grafenwöhr training ground. Ramstein Air Base, for example, is one of the largest US Air Forces bases in the world, in operation since 1952. Ramstein is truly a nerve center for the US military, not only in Europe.

German Chancellor Merz has not banned US aircraft from flying there to Iran, unlike other countries, such as Spain or Italy. This is despite the fact that in the past, there have been several lawsuits by citizens in the Federal Constitutional Court, for the use of suicide drones from Ramstein – that is, from Germany – without a UN mandate.

The region is also very important for the US military hospital in Landstuhl. American soldiers from all over the world are treated there after missions. The US is now investing around $1.6 billion near Landstuhl for a new hospital, the largest US military hospital outside the US.

Meanwhile, Grafenwöhr is the largest and most modern American training range outside the US.

The stationing of American troops in Germany is also associated with economic factors, right?

Yes, the US forces are an undeniable economic factor for the regions in three federal states, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The US military directly and indirectly employs thousands of local workers. The Ramstein air base alone generates hundreds of millions of euros in wages and contracts every year.

But German experts point out that economic realities apply to both sides. They see a relocation of US troops to neighboring countries, such as Poland, as almost impossible in the short or medium term. This is because the Americans have invested in a very large and expensive infrastructure in Germany to house US soldiers and their families.