Trump Teeters on Reducing US Troops in Europe as Iran Tensions Rise
Trump is considering withdrawing American troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain amid tensions over his Iran strategy, a move that would affect roughly 53,000 personnel in those countries (with about 68,000 in Europe overall) and face congressional and legal hurdles, including a 2026 NDAA provision that bars permanent reductions below 75,000; lawmakers and military officials warn such withdrawals are complex and could be costly given the bases' logistical and strategic roles like Ramstein and LRMC.