In a direct challenge to the decades-old transatlantic security architecture, Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), issued a formal call on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the total removal of United States military forces from German soil. Speaking at a party congress in the city of Löbau, Saxony, Chrupalla argued that the ongoing U.S.-led war in Iran has made the American presence a liability that risks dragging Germany into a “catastrophic international conflict.”
The “Sovereignty” Argument: Following Spain’s Lead
Chrupalla’s demand marks a significant hardening of the AfD’s anti-interventionist platform. He urged Berlin to pursue a “more independent foreign policy” by 2029 and pointed to Spain as a potential model for German neutrality.
- The Spanish Precedent: Chrupalla praised the Spanish government for its opposition to U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and its decision to restrict Washington’s use of Spanish bases for combat operations.
- “Let’s Start Implementing”: “Let’s start putting this into practice—by withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany,” Chrupalla told the gathered delegates, as quoted by the daily Bild.
- Nuclear Removal: The AfD’s platform specifically advocates for the removal of all allied troops and, crucially, the withdrawal of U.S. nuclear weapons stationed at bases like Büchel.
Strategic Hubs in the Crosshairs
The demand specifically targets the massive U.S. military footprint in Germany, which currently consists of approximately 40,000 personnel.
- Ramstein Air Base: A critical node for U.S. operations in the Middle East and Africa, Ramstein has been under intense scrutiny from anti-war factions who fear the base is being used as a direct launchpad for strikes on Iranian territory.
- Stuttgart Hubs: The city hosts both the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), making Germany the administrative backbone of American power projection in the hemisphere.
- Spangdahlem and Bavaria: These regions host significant air and ground assets that the AfD argues should be replaced by a purely sovereign German defense force.
The Trump Factor: Withdrawal as “Punishment”?
Ironically, Chrupalla’s call for withdrawal coincides with reports that President Trump is himself weighing a pullout from Germany.
- The “5% Rule”: Trump has reportedly threatened to withdraw troops from NATO allies that fail to meet his new 5% of GDP defense spending target, labeling those who fall short as “delinquent.”
- Alignment of Interests: While Chrupalla seeks withdrawal to ensure neutrality, Trump views it as a transactional tool. This has created a strange political alignment where the German far-right and the American president both find the current stationing agreement “unacceptable,” albeit for diametrically opposed reasons.
| Political Player | Position on U.S. Presence | Core Motivation |
| Tino Chrupalla (AfD) | Complete Withdrawal | National sovereignty; Avoiding war with Iran. |
| Chancellor Merz (CDU) | Maintain Alliance | Collective defense; Transatlantic stability. |
| Pres. Donald Trump | Conditional Pullout | Pressure for 5% GDP defense spending. |
| The Left (Die Linke) | Withdrawal | Anti-militarism; Focus on social spending. |
Political Fallout: The “Firewall” Under Pressure
The AfD’s surge in popularity—including a record 19.5% result in the recent Rhineland-Palatinate state election—has made their foreign policy demands harder for the mainstream to ignore. While Chancellor Friedrich Merz has maintained a “firewall” against cooperating with the AfD, the party’s inclusion in the Munich Security Conference 2026 (following a two-year exclusion) signals a grudging acknowledgement that their “Germany First” rhetoric is gaining significant traction among a war-weary public.
