Trump’s Move To Cut Troops in Germany Must Not Affect Korean Peninsula
President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of decreasing U.S. military presence in Germany. This is the first time in his second term that Trump has specifically singled out U.S. Forces in Germany, a move that could be seen as retaliation for the country’s lack of cooperation with the war in Iran. Given Trump’s repeated push for allies to share the burden, South Korea could also be targeted soon. Once again, Trump might find fault with U.S. Forces Korea using flawed reasoning. Due to the emphasis on “strategic flexibility,” it may be difficult to continue insisting that U.S. Forces Korea remain stationed on the peninsula. Moreover, South Korea must be well prepared to ensure that any changes in U.S. policy do not affect the peninsula’s security.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Some 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany. With around 84,000 U.S. troops in all of Europe, Germany holds the largest share. Germany is also a key base, where both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command are located. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clashed with Trump, calling the United States’ actions after the start of the war “rash,” stating the country “is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership,” and arguing that “It’s not just about getting in; you also have to get out.”
The fallout must not spread to the Korean Peninsula. Trump has been pressuring South Korea to assume additional expenses, exaggerating U.S. troop numbers there from 28,500 to 45,000. Earlier, Trump brought up South Korea, Japan and China’s hesitancy concerning the Strait of Hormuz blockade, criticizing them for not solving the issue themselves, despite being importers of oil. Even Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, revealed plans for a joint military operation named “Kill Web,” involving South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. He also urged the three countries to help contain China.
At least U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly praised South Korea, describing the country as a “model ally,” and saying that it will receive “special favors.” This reflects South Korea’s commitment to keeping promises, increasing defense spending, and leading the defense against North Korea. However, considering how impulsive Trump is, it is unclear how long this praise will last. Accelerating President Lee Jae Myung’s push for independent national defense and the transfer of wartime operational control is of the utmost urgency. Even if the alliance with the United States falters, South Korea must be capable of minimizing gaps in security.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Some 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany. With around 84,000 U.S. troops in all of Europe, Germany holds the largest share. Germany is also a key base, where both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command are located. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clashed with Trump, calling the United States’ actions after the start of the war “rash,” stating the country “is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership,” and arguing that “It’s not just about getting in; you also have to get out.”
The fallout must not spread to the Korean Peninsula. Trump has been pressuring South Korea to assume additional expenses, exaggerating U.S. troop numbers there from 28,500 to 45,000. Earlier, Trump brought up South Korea, Japan and China’s hesitancy concerning the Strait of Hormuz blockade, criticizing them for not solving the issue themselves, despite being importers of oil. Even Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, revealed plans for a joint military operation named “Kill Web,” involving South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. He also urged the three countries to help contain China.
At least U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly praised South Korea, describing the country as a “model ally,” and saying that it will receive “special favors.” This reflects South Korea’s commitment to keeping promises, increasing defense spending, and leading the defense against North Korea. However, considering how impulsive Trump is, it is unclear how long this praise will last. Accelerating President Lee Jae Myung’s push for independent national defense and the transfer of wartime operational control is of the utmost urgency. Even if the alliance with the United States falters, South Korea must be capable of minimizing gaps in security.
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