Pentagon Weighs 25,000-Troop Pullout From Europe, September 18

The Pentagon is weighing a major pullback of U.S. military forces in Europe. Under review is the withdrawal of 25,000 to 40,000 troops from the roughly 80,000 currently stationed across the continent. The Trump administration argues Europe must shoulder more of its own defense costs, but the move has alarmed lawmakers and NATO allies concerned about Russia.

What the Pentagon is considering

The six-month review, launched in June, could reduce U.S. forces by one-third or potentially half. Germany, Italy, and Spain host the largest American deployments and would face the biggest cuts. General Alexus Grynkewich, who heads U.S. European Command, is expected to present preliminary options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 18, with a final recommendation due November 6.

Why Trump wants troops out

The Trump administration argues that wealthy European nations should take primary responsibility for their own conventional defense. In June, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers the Pentagon was moving “fast and irreversibly” toward Europe stepping up. The administration sent a questionnaire to all NATO allies asking whether they aligned with Trump’s policies, with unspoken threats of reduced U.S. support for those who did not.

The complications and contradictions

While the administration threatens troop cuts, it continues investing heavily in European military facilities. Nine U.S. KC-135 Stratotankers remain stationed at Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base to support operations in the Iran war. Last year, about half of the 2,000 American troops in Romania departed, yet the U.S. still relies on European bases to project power across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Trump also announced plans for a new Army base in Poland, signaling the eastern flank remains a priority.

Concerns from Congress and allies

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure diplomats are included in the review, noting that U.S. ambassadors in affected countries have been excluded from consultations. Lawmakers from both parties and European governments have expressed alarm that rapid withdrawals could embolden Russia at a volatile moment with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. At least eight NATO states, including Canada, Poland, Denmark, and Spain, are now diversifying defense procurement to reduce dependence on U.S. weapons and technologies.

Final Thoughts

The Pentagon’s review will reshape America’s relationship with NATO. Any troop cuts would be the largest since the Cold War’s end, forcing Europe to accelerate defense spending and weapons diversification. Investors should monitor how this affects European defense contractors and U.S. military suppliers.

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