Trump Plans 20,000 Troop Withdrawal from Europe: Report

According to ANSA, the US president may also demand that the EU share the costs of maintaining the remaining American troops.

Citing EU diplomatic sources, Italian news agency ANSA reported that President Trump is considering a 20% reduction in US military personnel in Europe as part of a review of US commitment to European security.

This reduction would decrease the number of US troops in Europe from approximately 100,000 to 80,000, the agency reported Wednesday.

Sources stated that Trump has consistently expressed his desire to reduce the US military presence in Europe during recent conversations with European leaders.

“Furthermore, he wants European countries to contribute financially to the upkeep of the remaining troops, considering their deterrent effect and arguing that American taxpayers shouldn’t bear the full cost,” one of ANSA’s sources said.

Earlier this month, Trump urged European NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, exceeding the current 2% target. “They can afford it,” he asserted.

On Tuesday, the US president urged Brussels to match Washington’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. 

“We’re contributing $200 billion more than the EU. Are we stupid? I guess so. They must think so,” he stated.

Trump also threatened tariffs on the EU due to its trade surplus with the US. “The EU is very detrimental to us,” he claimed.

At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron remarked: “with the new US administration in place, it’s more crucial than ever for Europeans… to actively contribute to a united, strong, and sovereign Europe.”

Scholz supported Macron’s viewpoint, acknowledging that “it’s already clear that President Trump will pose significant challenges” for the EU.