US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could reduce its military presence in Germany, escalating tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the handling of the conflict involving Iran.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump said Washington was reviewing the possibility of withdrawing some American troops from Germany, with a decision expected soon. The announcement comes amid a growing public disagreement between the two leaders over US strategy in the Middle East.

“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany,” Trump wrote, signalling that the longstanding American military footprint in Europe’s largest economy could once again be under scrutiny.

Germany hosts some of the most important US military facilities outside the United States, including Ramstein Air Base, the headquarters of US European Command and US Africa Command, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American military hospital abroad.

Trump’s latest warning follows comments by Merz earlier this week, in which the German leader said Washington was being “humiliated” by Iran and questioned the effectiveness of the US approach to the conflict. Merz has repeatedly called for a clearer strategy and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

Despite the sharp exchange, Merz said on Wednesday that his personal relationship with Trump remained strong. He added, however, that he had harboured concerns from the outset about the military campaign against Iran.

The two leaders met at the White House in March, shortly after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets. At the time, Merz said Germany was prepared to work closely with Washington on future regional strategy, while also warning that a prolonged conflict could inflict serious damage on the global economy.

That concern has intensified as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy markets. The vital waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has remained effectively shut since fighting began in late February.

“We are suffering considerably in Germany and in Europe from the consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Merz said, urging all sides to seek a resolution.

Trump, however, has shown increasing frustration with Germany’s stance. In a post on Tuesday, he criticised Merz’s remarks on Iran and accused the chancellor of misunderstanding the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

This is not the first time Trump has threatened to reduce US troop levels in Germany. During his first term, he announced plans to withdraw nearly 10,000 troops, citing Berlin’s defence spending. That proposal was later halted by the Biden administration.

Any renewed reduction would likely raise fresh questions about US commitment to NATO and European security at a time of heightened global instability.

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after an armed man opened fire near the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, prompting panic among hundreds of guests.

The annual event, attended by top political leaders, journalists and celebrities, was briefly thrown into chaos when shots rang out near the reception area of the hotel. Video shared on social media showed guests ducking under tables as security personnel rushed to secure the room and escort senior officials to safety.

Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California. Law enforcement officials said Allen, who was staying at the hotel, allegedly acted alone. He is accused of storming through the hotel lobby armed with a gun and knives before confronting security officers near the ballroom entrance.

During the encounter, a law enforcement officer was shot at close range. Officials said the officer’s bulletproof vest prevented serious injury. The officer was treated and is reported to be in good condition.

Trump later confirmed that he had spoken with the injured officer.

“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump told reporters. “I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great.”

Allen was quickly subdued and taken into custody. He is expected to appear in court on Monday and faces multiple charges, including assaulting a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and other firearm-related offences.

Shortly after the incident, Trump addressed reporters, describing the presidency as a dangerous role.

“Today we need levels of security that probably nobody has ever seen before,” he said. “We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.”

Reflecting on the repeated threats against him, Trump said public figures often face heightened risks. He referenced the assassination attempt against him during a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, when a bullet grazed his right ear and one attendee was killed.

Security officials are now reviewing how the suspect was able to get so close to the ballroom despite the extensive security presence. While the event itself is heavily guarded, the Washington Hilton remains open to regular hotel guests during the dinner, creating potential vulnerabilities outside the main event space.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings, celebrating journalism and the First Amendment. This year’s event marked Trump’s first appearance at the dinner since returning to office, despite his often-contentious relationship with the press.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of public officials and the challenges of securing large, high-profile events in an era of rising political tensions.