German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized on Thursday (April 30) the importance of the transatlantic partnership, only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration was looking at reducing the number of U.S. troops in Germany.

The U.S. had just over 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe as of December 2025, data from the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) shows.

More than half - about 36,400 - are based in Germany. That is a fraction of the 250,000 U.S. troops ⁠that were based there in 1985, before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.

Speaking to reporters at a military base in Munster, Merz said Germany's compass remained focused on a strong NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership.

"As you know, this transatlantic partnership is particularly close to our hearts - and to mine personally", he added.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1 VARIOUS OF GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, DRESSED IN ARMY JACKET, WALKING PAST PARKED TANKS DURING VISIT OF GERMAN ARMY TRAINING AREA

2. VARIOUS OF MERZ AND HIS DEPUTY, FINANCE MINISTER LARS KLINGBEIL, LISTENING TO PRESENTATION

3. MERZ WALKING TO MICROPHONE

4. KLINGBEIL IN DISCUSSION WITH SOLDIER

5. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR, FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

“What the Bundeswehr (German army) is achieving here in Munster is not only impressive, but also represents an important and indispensable contribution to a strong, united NATO. We are carrying out this work here, but also at other strategically important locations in Germany, side by side with the United States of America, side by side with our allies throughout NATO.

And it is a good sign that just yesterday, the Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe and Africa was here in Munster and that he is also closely monitoring this exercise for we are carrying out this work shoulder to shoulder for our mutual benefit and for the deeper transatlantic bond.”

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (WELT POOL - Access all)

6. TRACK VEHICLE DRIVING PAST, FILMED EARLIER DURING PRESENTATION

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

7. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR, FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

“As you know, this transatlantic partnership is particularly close to our hearts – and to mine personally. With this in mind, thank you once again, and I wish the soldiers of the Bundeswehr every success in their efforts to safeguard the security and freedom of our country."

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (WELT POOL - Access all)

8. ARMY VEHICLES DRIVING PAST, FILMED EARLIER DURING PRESENTATION

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

9. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR, FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"The entire Bundeswehr is undergoing a period of radical change. We must be ready to deter and defend ourselves here and now, capable of ‘Fight Tonight’. At the same time, we must prepare for the challenges of tomorrow and the day after. This will require the greatest possible effort. The threats and the way in which conflicts are waged in the world today have changed fundamentally.”

MUNSTER, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (WELT POOL - Access all)

10. DRONE FLYING PAST, FILMED EARLIER DURING PRESENTATION