Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) recently responded to reports suggesting a potential review of US troop withdrawals from Germany by President Donald Trump. When asked if the rumors caused concern, Wadephul answered a brief “No” during an interview for the RTL program “Nachtjournal” while on his trip to Rabat, Morocco. He noted that there would be an overall “shift of forces”. Wadephul recalled that the United States had already stated under a previous administration, Barack Obama, its desire to focus more heavily on the Pacific region, emphasizing that the US needed to “take on more, must develop stronger shoulders”.
He predicted that the European pillar of NATO would therefore grow stronger, saying, “That may come. We will look at that together, calmly”. Furthermore, Wadephul stated that the German armed forces are preparing for such change and dismissed the possibility of a substantial withdrawal of key US sites from Germany. He argued that the US needs locations such as Ramstein, Landstuhl, and Grafenwöhr, as these sites are crucial for “our security” just as much as they are for the safety of the United States.
Regarding Donald Trump’s personal criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz on social media, Wadephul affirmed that Germany would not respond with counterattacks. “No, one does not have to counter” he stated. On the relationship with the US, he maintained that the exchange would remain “good and fruitful”. He mentioned speaking with his American colleague, Marco Rubio, the day before, discussing Iran and Ukraine, stating that there are “completely the same positions between the US and Germany”.
Wadephul also defended Merz, asserting that the Chancellor had spoken “completely correctly” by issuing a clear warning to Iran, suggesting that genuine negotiations were necessary. He defended this position, adding, “That was the statement of the Chancellor. It was correct, and I defend it”. He concluded by affirming that Germany and the government stood “completely united” on this issue.