President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to withdraw some US troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain, according to multiple news reports from May 2026. The threat comes amid a growing dispute with European allies over the US approach to Iran, though specific details of the disagreement remain unconfirmed.
The reports, which cite unnamed administration officials, suggest that Trump is frustrated with what he perceives as a lack of support from these European nations regarding US military actions or policies related to Iran. Germany, Italy, and Spain host significant US military installations and personnel, making any potential withdrawal a major shift in NATO posture.
As of May 1, 2026, no official announcement has been made by the White House or the Department of Defense. The Pentagon has not commented on the reports, and it remains unclear how many troops might be affected or what timeline would be involved. The US maintains approximately 35,000 troops in Germany, 12,000 in Italy, and 3,000 in Spain, according to publicly available data.
European officials have expressed concern over the potential move, which could strain transatlantic relations further. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the US and its European allies over Iran policy, including the 2015 nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions.
