President Donald Trump said on Thursday, April 30, 2026, that he would "probably" consider withdrawing U.S. troops from Italy and Spain [1, 2, 3].

This potential shift in military posture signals a possible pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward its European allies. Such a move could alter the security architecture of the Mediterranean, and affect the collective defense obligations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Trump said the comments during a press interaction in the United States [1]. He was responding to questions regarding the possible reduction of U.S. forces stationed in Europe as tensions within NATO continue to fluctuate [4, 2].

"I might consider pulling U.S. troops out of Italy and Spain," Trump said [3]. When asked further about the likelihood of such a move, he said, "Probably" [1].

The president also indicated a broader strategy regarding the American military presence on the continent. "We are looking at reducing the number of troops in Europe," Trump said [4].

The announcement comes as the administration evaluates the cost and strategic necessity of maintaining overseas bases. The move would target specific deployments in Southern Europe, a region that has historically served as a critical link for U.S. operations in Africa and the Middle East.

“"I might consider pulling U.S. troops out of Italy and Spain"”

The suggestion of withdrawing troops from Italy and Spain reflects a broader trend of questioning the long-term utility of traditional U.S. military footprints in Europe. If implemented, these reductions could weaken the perceived U.S. commitment to NATO's southern flank and pressure European allies to increase their own defense spending to fill the resulting security vacuum.