Trump Says He May Also Consider Cutting U.S. Troops in Italy and Spain

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[The Financial News]  After saying that he is reviewing a possible reduction of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, Donald John Trump said on the 30th, local time, that he could also consider cutting troop levels in Italy and Spain. 
After signing executive orders at the White House that day, Trump answered "Maybe" when asked whether he would consider taking similar steps in Spain and Italy as he is in Germany.
Trump repeatedly pointed out that the United States, together with Europe, helped Ukraine in the war between Russia and Ukraine, but that Europe did not step up to support the United States when it needed help in the conflict with Iran.
Trump stressed, "They were not there when we needed them," adding, "We have to remember that."
In a post on Truth Social the previous day, Trump said, "The United States is looking at the possibility of reducing its forces in Germany," adding that "a decision will be made soon."
The total number of U.S. troops stationed across Europe is about 84,000, including roughly 36,000 in Germany.
Trump has publicly criticized NATO European allies, expressing strong frustration after they did not respond to his request for naval support to protect tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.
As speculation grew that his dissatisfaction with allies failing to meet U.S. demands could lead to troop redeployments or withdrawals, Trump’s mention of an actual review has drawn attention to the possible impact on the European security posture.
Asked about the status of negotiations with Iran, Trump said, "No one knows the details of the talks except me and a few others," adding, "They really want to make a deal."
On the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, he said, "The power of a blockade is really tremendous," and added, "Iran is not making any money from oil." He also said, "Their economy is in a disastrous state, so let’s see how much longer they can hold out."
Regarding oil prices, he said, "As soon as the war is over, crude oil prices will drop like a rock."
Meanwhile, Trump said he would be fine with the Iran national football team taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19.
That marks a reversal from his earlier position that Iran’s participation in the tournament would be inappropriate for security reasons.
When asked about Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, mentioning the possibility of Iran’s participation, Trump said, "If Gianni said that, then I’m okay with it."
Iran has already secured a spot in the finals and has been placed in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The matches will be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Trump had previously said on the 12th of last month that Iran’s participation in the World Cup would be inappropriate for security reasons.
That day, Trump signed an executive order to launch a website encouraging enrollment in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that would give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other workers access to retirement savings opportunities on par with those of United States federal civil service employees, while also providing eligible participants with up to $1,000 in matching funds.
He also approved a pipeline project to transport crude oil from the Canada–United States border to Wyoming.
rsunjun@fnnews.com Yoo Seon-jun Reporter