Story perspectives

Trump May Pull Troops From Germany Italy Spain

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump said he would “probably” pull U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, expanding his earlier threat to reduce forces in Germany.
Trump announced a review of the U.S. troop presence in Germany, with a decision expected soon.
The United States maintains about 68,000 active-duty personnel in Europe, roughly 36,400 of whom are stationed in Germany.
Trump has criticized NATO allies for not supporting the U.S. operation against Iran and has floated the possibility of withdrawing the United States from the alliance.
Experts note that relocating the German-based forces would cost billions and require congressional approval, making an immediate withdrawal unlikely.

History

Historical Context

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990-91, the United States began cutting its European footprint. Defense officials reported USAFE’s personnel fell from about 72,000 in 1990 to 33,000 by 1996, a reduction of roughly 55 percent. The drawdown, echoed today by the administration’s call to further reduce U.S. forces in Germany, revives the post-Cold-War “peace dividend” debate within NATO.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump said he would “probably” pull U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, expanding his earlier threat to reduce forces in Germany.
Trump announced a review of the U.S. troop presence in Germany, with a decision expected soon.
The United States maintains about 68,000 active-duty personnel in Europe, roughly 36,400 of whom are stationed in Germany.
Trump has criticized NATO allies for not supporting the U.S. operation against Iran and has floated the possibility of withdrawing the United States from the alliance.
Experts note that relocating the German-based forces would cost billions and require congressional approval, making an immediate withdrawal unlikely.

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