U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he may partially withdraw the American military contingent from Italy and Spain, considering these countries' resistance to the war against Iran, LETA reported citing AFP.
The day before, Trump announced that the U.S. is considering reducing its military presence in Germany.
"Yes, possibly, possibly I will do it? Why wouldn’t I?" Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office, responding to a question about whether he is considering reducing the number of American troops in Spain and Italy as well.
"Italy has not helped us at all, and Spain has been terrible, absolutely terrible."
On Wednesday, Trump stated that Washington is "studying and considering" a possible reduction of troops in Germany and will make a decision on this matter "in the short term."
As of December 31, 2025, there were 36,436 active-duty American military personnel in Germany, 12,662 in Italy, and 3,814 in Spain.
Trump is highly critical of other NATO countries that did not assist the U.S. and Israel in military operations against Iran or did not participate in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In April, Trump unexpectedly criticized his former right-wing ally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, telling the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" that Meloni lacks "courage" on the issue of Iran.
Last week, it was reported that the U.S. might attempt to suspend Spain's participation in NATO, as the country refused to support military operations against Iran. Trump also criticized Madrid for not sufficiently increasing defense spending.
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