After Germany, Italy and Spain: Trump Hints at Redeploying U.S. Forces in Europe

[The Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul]  U.S. President Donald John Trump has raised the possibility of reducing the number of United States Armed Forces stationed in Italy and Spain, following similar remarks about Germany. The move is expected to reverberate across Europe’s security landscape. His frustration over NATO allies’ lukewarm response to requests for military support in the Strait of Hormuz appears to be feeding into a broader plan to redeploy U.S. troops in Europe.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on the 30th after signing an Executive Order, Trump answered “Probably” when asked about the possibility of cutting U.S. troop levels in Italy and Spain. A day earlier, he had formally said he was reviewing a reduction of U.S. forces in Germany, signaling that the cuts could be expanded across Europe.
Trump repeatedly criticized Europe, saying that while the United States supported Ukraine together with Europe during the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries did not provide enough support when the United States needed help in the conflict with Iran. He said, “They were not there when we needed them,” and added, “We have to remember that.”
Earlier, Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that he was considering reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany and would make a decision soon. About 84,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed across Europe, including roughly 36,000 in Germany.
Analysts say the remarks are rooted in the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had asked European allies to provide naval support to protect tankers in the strait, which Iran has blocked, but he has publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction after NATO members failed to respond actively.
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pride@fnnews.com Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter