Trump Considers Withdrawing US Troops from Germany, Italy, Spain Amid Iran War Criticism

In the past 48 hours, US President Donald Trump, expressing anger over criticism from European nations regarding the Iran war, has stated that he is considering withdrawing US troops stationed in Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the US was being humiliated in the ongoing Iran war. He claimed that the Trump administration had 'no truly effective strategy' to end this conflict.

Addressing students in Marburg, Germany, on Monday, Merz said, 'This is costing us a huge economic burden. This war and conflict against Iran are directly impacting our economic output.'

In response, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, 'Merz thinks it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons. He doesn't even know what he's talking about!'

The following day, Trump posted again, writing, 'The United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing the number of US troops in Germany, a decision that will be made soon.'

On Thursday, when Trump was asked if he was considering withdrawing US troops from Italy and Spain as well, who are critics of the Iran war, he replied, 'Maybe... Look, why shouldn't I? Italy has not helped us at all, and Spain's behavior is terrible, absolutely terrible.'

On April 10, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed senior White House official, that Trump had discussed the removal of some US troops from Europe with his advisors.

How many US troops are in Europe?

According to data from the Pentagon's Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), there were approximately 68,064 active US military personnel in Europe as of December 2025.

Where are these US troops in Europe?

These troops are spread across 31 permanent bases and 19 military sites throughout Europe.

The US European Command (USEUCOM) directs US military operations in Europe in coordination with NATO allies. It includes six service components: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Special Operations Forces, and the new Space Force.

• Germany

The largest US military base in Europe is Germany's Ramstein Air Base, where US troops have been stationed since 1952. According to DMDC data, 36,436 active duty members were stationed in five garrisons in Germany as of December 2025.

• United Kingdom

As of last December, 10,156 US service members were garrisoned at three bases in the UK, primarily Air Force personnel.

• Italy

US military personnel have been stationed in Italy since the end of World War II, including Army, Navy, and Air Force divisions. According to DMDC data, 12,662 active duty soldiers were stationed at bases in Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, and Sicily by the end of 2025.

• Spain

Spain hosts US Navy and Air Force bases near the Strait of Gibraltar. According to DMDC data, 3,814 personnel were permanently stationed in Spain as of December 2025.

• Poland

Poland has 369 permanently stationed active service members. In addition, approximately 10,000 personnel funded through the European 'Deterrence Initiative' are deployed rotationally in Poland. This is a US program to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. These personnel are housed at four bases.

• Romania

Like Poland and other former Eastern Bloc countries, Romania also hosts a rotational presence of US troops in addition to 153 permanent members. Bases with US access include Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Camp Turzii, and Deveselu.

• Hungary

The US conducts rotational deployment and training missions in Hungary. According to December data, 77 permanent service members are stationed at Hungary's Kecskemét and Pápa Air Bases.

Who decides how many troops to keep in Europe?

The decision on how many US troops to keep in European countries is often made by the President and the Department of Defense. However, Congress also plays a role, and it can block or complicate major withdrawals by controlling legislation and funding.

During his first term in 2020, Trump threatened to withdraw about 12,000 US troops from Germany, criticizing Berlin for low defense spending and support for the 'Nord Stream 2' gas pipeline. However, Congress opposed this, and former US President Joe Biden overturned the decision. Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, passed by the Senate last year, includes a provision permanently prohibiting the level of US troops in Europe from being reduced below 75,000.

Why is Trump threatening to withdraw US troops from Europe?

Trump's latest threat comes against the backdrop of recent tensions over the Iran war.

The war between the US-Israel and Iran began on February 28 and is still unresolved. Blockades by Iran and the US in the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted shipping traffic, impacting the global economy. Trump has criticized European leaders for not supporting the US in the war.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been consistently criticized by Trump for his stance on the Iran war. He has accused Washington of not supporting the war and failing to help the US open the Strait of Hormuz.

A few days after the war began - after Starmer initially refused to allow British military bases to be used to attack Iran - Trump commented that the British leader was 'not like Winston Churchill.' Trump also strongly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, his favorite European leader, after she criticized the Iran war.

Last year, issues such as Trump's attempt to acquire Greenland, US taxes, and cuts to US aid to Ukraine have deeply destabilized transatlantic (US-Europe) relations.

• These bases serve whom?

The US military presence in Europe dates back to World War II. Military presence decreased by the start of the Cold War, and the US mission focused on strengthening European defense against the Soviet Union.

However, these bases have not only served European security: they are also important for US military and foreign policy goals beyond Europe. These bases are major logistical hubs for the US. Through them, the US has been able to launch wars in West Asia, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Iran.

To support the bases, host countries typically provide rent-free land, and the host government pays the salaries of local staff. Thus, host nations bear some of the total cost of hosting US troops on their soil.

The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), located a few minutes from Germany's Ramstein base, is the largest US hospital outside the US. It serves as the primary evacuation and treatment center for US troops in Europe, West Asia, and Africa.

Al Jazeera