After Germany, Trump Says He May Consider Reducing US Troops in Italy and Spain
Former US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of considering reducing US troops in Italy and Spain, following similar considerations for Germany. This reflects US-European disagreements over the Iran war and expresses dissatisfaction with allies not supporting US military actions.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 07:20
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Central News
(Central News Agency, Washington, 30th, special dispatch by Hou Ziying) Amidst the divergence of positions between the US and Europe over the Iran war, US President Trump yesterday threatened to consider reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany. Today, when asked by the media, he stated that he might also consider reducing the number of US troops in Italy and Spain.
Trump (Donald Trump) posted on his social media platform 'Truth Social' yesterday, writing: 'The United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future.'
Prior to this, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said earlier this week that Iran had 'humiliated' Washington at the negotiating table.
When asked by the media at an event at the White House this afternoon whether he would consider reducing the number of US troops in Italy and Spain after Germany, Trump responded, 'Possibly... Why shouldn't I? Italy has not helped us at all, and Spain has performed terribly.'
Both the Italian and Spanish governments have criticized the US military action against Iran.
Reuters reported that Spain had refused to allow US troops to use its bases for missions related to airstrikes on Iran, and Trump threatened a comprehensive trade embargo against Spain in March over this.
Trump has also repeatedly criticized NATO allies, accusing them of being unwilling to play a more significant role after the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran in late February, and Iran subsequently restricted shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters previously quoted US officials as saying that an internal Pentagon email suggested that the US could take measures to punish allies who did not support its military actions, including suspending Spain's NATO membership.
However, NATO stated that the organization has no provisions for suspending or expelling members.
According to reports, data from the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center shows that as of last December, there were slightly more than 68,000 active-duty US military personnel permanently stationed at overseas bases in Europe, more than half of whom were stationed in Germany. (Edited by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150501
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(Central News Agency, Washington, 30th, special dispatch by Hou Ziying) Amidst the divergence of positions between the US and Europe over the Iran war, US President Trump yesterday threatened to consider reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany. Today, when asked by the media, he stated that he might also consider reducing the number of US troops in Italy and Spain.
Trump (Donald Trump) posted on his social media platform 'Truth Social' yesterday, writing: 'The United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future.'
Prior to this, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said earlier this week that Iran had 'humiliated' Washington at the negotiating table.
When asked by the media at an event at the White House this afternoon whether he would consider reducing the number of US troops in Italy and Spain after Germany, Trump responded, 'Possibly... Why shouldn't I? Italy has not helped us at all, and Spain has performed terribly.'
Both the Italian and Spanish governments have criticized the US military action against Iran.
Reuters reported that Spain had refused to allow US troops to use its bases for missions related to airstrikes on Iran, and Trump threatened a comprehensive trade embargo against Spain in March over this.
Trump has also repeatedly criticized NATO allies, accusing them of being unwilling to play a more significant role after the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran in late February, and Iran subsequently restricted shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters previously quoted US officials as saying that an internal Pentagon email suggested that the US could take measures to punish allies who did not support its military actions, including suspending Spain's NATO membership.
However, NATO stated that the organization has no provisions for suspending or expelling members.
According to reports, data from the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center shows that as of last December, there were slightly more than 68,000 active-duty US military personnel permanently stationed at overseas bases in Europe, more than half of whom were stationed in Germany. (Edited by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150501
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The text, images, and audio-visual content on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.