US President Donald Trump has hinted that he would consider withdrawing American troops from Europe if NATO allies in the region did not pay more in comprehensive negotiations over his sweeping trade policies. NBC News reported on Tuesday that the US is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 soldiers from Eastern Europe. According to sources, the exact number is still being discussed, but the proposal could affect the US troops stationed in Romania and Poland – two NATO members near the Russian border. When asked on Wednesday whether he plans to reduce the number of US troops in Europe or other NATO countries, Trump did not rule out this possibility. “Well, I could. It depends. We pay for the military in Europe. We don’t get much in return” said Trump to reporters at the White House. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, warned on Tuesday against reducing the troops that the Pentagon had “bolstered” after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. “I would advise keeping the troop strength as it is now” said Cavoli during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee. In response, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday, “The only person who will make a decision on the troop structure of US troops in Europe will be the Commander in Chief, President Trump.” The US is the largest contributor to NATO and Trump has repeatedly criticized European members of the alliance for not meeting their defense spending targets. The discussions on possible troop reductions come at a time when the Trump administration is still putting pressure on European allies to take more responsibility for their own defense. Russia has repeatedly expressed deep concern over NATO expansion and the military activities of the bloc near its borders. After Washington resumed talks with Moscow to achieve a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict and restore bilateral relations, Russia welcomed the US willingness to address the “deeper causes” of the crisis, including Kyiv’s aspirations to join NATO.
US May Withdraw Troops from Europe Amidst Push for Greater Defense Responsibility
