US Pentagon Plans to Withdraw Third of Troops From Europe

The United States Department of Defense is considering a significant reduction of its military presence in Europe, potentially withdrawing up to one-third of all American troops stationed there, according to seven current and former Western officials cited by NBC News.

Under the plans being evaluated, roughly 25,000 troops would be pulled from the continent—primarily from Germany, Italy, and Spain—countries that President Donald Trump has targeted because of their lack of support during the US military operation in Iran. Some sources indicate the withdrawal could be even larger, reaching around 40,000 personnel.

Largest withdrawal since the Cold War

If enacted, such a drawdown would represent the most drastic reduction in American military presence in Europe since the end of the Cold War. The US currently maintains 36,000 troops in Germany alone, and approximately 12,000 in Italy.

General Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command and serves as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is expected to present his assessment to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. The Pentagon announced a review of American troop dispositions in Europe in June 2026.

Options and timeline

According to sources, the document will outline four possible courses of action, which may include reductions in ground forces, air power, naval assets, and potentially repositioning some western-stationed units to Eastern Flank countries. Final recommendations are due to Hegseth on November 6, after which the findings will be submitted to President Trump for decision. No concrete decisions have been made yet, officials stressed.

The prospect of such radical steps has alarmed members of Congress in both parties as well as European capitals. Follow World news for further developments.