In a direct challenge to the decades-old transatlantic security architecture, Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), issued a formal call on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the complete removal of United States military forces from German soil. Speaking at a party congress in Löbau, Chrupalla argued that the ongoing U.S.-led war in Iran—which has seen U.S. troop levels in the Middle East surge to over 50,000—threatens to draw Germany into a “catastrophic international conflict” against its own national interests.
“Not Our War”: The AfD’s Sovereignty Argument
The AfD’s demand marks a sharp escalation in the party’s “Germany First” foreign policy, which has become increasingly anti-interventionist as the conflict with Iran intensifies.
- Avoiding Entrapment: Chrupalla emphasized that Germany must “stop being a secondary theater” for American strategic objectives. “Let’s start implementing this, with the withdrawal of American troops from Germany,” he stated, according to The Telegraph.
- Independent Course: The party leader argued that Germany should no longer be “drawn into international conflicts” and must instead chart a more “independent foreign policy course” by 2029.
- The Spanish Model: Chrupalla pointed to Spain as a potential example for Germany to follow, praising Madrid’s recent efforts to distance itself from U.S. and Israeli military actions in the Middle East.
Strategic Hubs: Ramstein and the “Complicity” Concern
The AfD’s demand specifically targets the massive U.S. military infrastructure in Germany, which serves as the logistical backbone for operations in the Middle East.
- Ramstein Air Base: As the primary hub for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, Ramstein is critical for the current “infrastructure war” against Iran.
- 40,000 Troops: With approximately 40,000 U.S. personnel stationed across Germany, the AfD argues their presence makes the country a “legitimate target” for retaliatory strikes.
- Nuclear Weapons: The party’s platform also continues to push for the removal of U.S. nuclear warheads stationed at the Büchel Air Base.
The Trump Counter-Pressure: 5% GDP or Withdrawal?
Ironically, the AfD’s demand for withdrawal aligns with recent reports that President Trump is himself considering a pullout from Germany, though for very different reasons.
- The “5% Rule”: Reports indicate that Trump is frustrated with NATO allies who do not meet his new 5% of GDP defense spending target.
- Transactional Diplomacy: While the AfD seeks withdrawal to ensure neutrality, Trump views it as a tool to force European allies into greater military spending. This has created a rare alignment where both the German far-right and the White House are questioning the current stationing agreement.
| Political Entity | Position on U.S. Troops | Primary Motivation |
| AfD Party | Complete Withdrawal | National sovereignty; Neutrality in Iran war. |
| Chancellor Merz (CDU) | Maintain Presence | Alliance solidarity; Post-war reconstruction. |
| President Trump | Conditional Pullout | Burden-sharing; 5% GDP spending requirement. |
| The Left (Die Linke) | Withdrawal | Anti-militarism; Social spending focus. |
Government Response: The “Firewall” Holds
The coalition government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected the AfD’s demands, maintaining that the U.S. presence is governed by international agreements that Germany will not restrict. However, with the AfD polling at record highs—including 19.5% in recent state elections—their “independent course” rhetoric is gaining significant traction among a public weary of the economic fallout from the Iran conflict.
