Trump Contemplates Pulling U.S. Troops from Italy and Spain

President Donald Trump hinted at a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Italy and Spain during a recent press conference, following his announcement to evaluate reducing military personnel in Germany. When asked about the possibility, Trump responded with a non-committal “probably,” while criticizing both nations for their lack of support during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The President’s remarks come amid heightened tensions with NATO allies, whom he has repeatedly accused of failing to contribute adequately to collective security efforts. Specifically, Trump expressed frustration over Italy and Spain’s perceived indifference toward U.S.-led operations in the Middle East, including the closure of Italian airspace to American military aircraft bound for missions against Iran. This sentiment was further fueled by an internal Pentagon email leaked last week, which outlined punitive measures against NATO allies, including suspending Spain from the alliance, due to their alleged lack of support during the conflict.

Trump’s consideration of troop withdrawals reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under his administration, which has seen increased scrutiny of NATO contributions and reduced military presence in Europe. As of December 2025, the United States maintained over 68,000 active-duty military personnel across its overseas bases in Europe, with approximately half stationed in Germany. The President’s latest comments raise questions about the future stability of U.S. alliances in the region and the potential strategic implications for European security.