Germany news: Merz plays down US military withdrawal plans

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said a US threat to pull troops out of Germany is "nothing new." Meanwhile, Germany’s interior minister says border controls will stay despite falling asylum numbers. DW has more.

• Friedrich Merz insists ties with the US remain strong despite tensions
• Donald Trump threatens troop cuts and ramps up criticism of Germany
• Germany plans to keep border controls despite falling asylum applications
• Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defends deportations of offenders to Afghanistan

Here is a roundup of stories from and about Germany on Monday, May 4, 2026: