The Pentagon is considering withdrawing tens of thousands of U.S. troops, aircraft, ships and weapons from Europe despite warnings from NATO allies about Russian aggression, according to NBC News.
Seven current and former U.S. and Western officials told the outlet that one option could remove roughly 25,000 troops, about a third of the approximately 80,000 currently stationed in Europe. Two people familiar with the deliberations said reductions could reach 40,000, or about half the force. No decision has been made.
Germany, Italy and Spain are among the countries likely to be affected, NBC News reports. The three host major U.S. deployments and military facilities that support operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Other options under review could reduce aviation, naval and ground forces or shift some capabilities toward NATO's eastern flank.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, is expected to submit his analysis to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. Hegseth is due to receive a final recommendation on Nov. 6 before any proposal is presented to President Donald Trump.
The review reflects the administration's push for European countries to assume greater responsibility for their conventional defense while Washington directs resources toward priorities including China, Iran and the Western Hemisphere. Trump has also criticized NATO allies that declined to support the U.S. war against Iran.
Those competing demands come as the Iran conflict strains U.S. military resources. The Intercept reported on September 15 that U.S. officials described pressure from extended deployments, attacks on American bases and warships, casualties, logistical problems and depleted defensive munitions. One official characterized the current demands as "ultimately unsustainable."
European governments have urged Washington to make any withdrawal gradual, giving them time to replace capabilities including long-range missiles, satellite surveillance and aerial refueling. Germany has increased military spending, while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Europeans intend "to take some of the burden off the U.S."
The potential drawdown also comes amid European warnings about Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions. NATO forces have intercepted multiple drones believed to have originated from Russia, while Moscow has rejected accusations that it is conducting a broader campaign against European countries.
Congress could constrain the Pentagon's options. Legislation adopted in December restricts certain defense funding if U.S. troop levels in Europe fall below 76,000, though NBC News reported that defense officials believe the administration may have ways to conduct some withdrawals without triggering those restrictions.
