The Pentagon is considering withdrawing about 25,000 or more US troops from Europe, potentially reducing the American military presence on the continent by nearly one-third, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing current and former US and Western officials familiar with the discussions.
The proposed drawdown could be larger, with options involving the withdrawal of up to 40,000 troops. About 80,000 US personnel are currently stationed in Europe. No final decision has been made, according to the report.
Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest US military deployments in Europe, are among the countries that could be affected by any reduction.
The options are being considered as part of a six-month Pentagon review of the US military presence in Europe. Gen Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command and serves as NATO’s supreme allied commander, is expected to provide an initial assessment to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, NBC reported.
The assessment is expected to examine several options covering aviation, naval and ground forces. It could also consider repositioning some US forces towards NATO’s eastern flank.
Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6 before any proposal is presented to President Donald Trump, according to the report.
The Trump administration has argued that European countries should take greater responsibility for their conventional defence while the US directs additional military resources towards other regions.
The possible reductions have raised concerns among some US lawmakers and European governments, who have warned that a rapid withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia.
NBC also reported differences between the State Department and Pentagon over the review process. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defence ministers on possible large-scale reductions.
