The President of the United States, Donald Trump, could extend the plan to withdraw American troops from Europe, in addition to the 5,000 soldiers set to leave Germany. Italy could be next on the list.
Trump could expand the troop withdrawal to Italy as NATO tensions rise. Sources within NATO suggest that Italy could be the next country to face a withdrawal of American forces, as reported by Bloomberg.
The decision of the US President to reduce the American military presence in Europe could extend beyond Germany, with Italy being identified as a potential next target for troop withdrawals.
According to the cited publication, the White House is reassessing its commitments across the entire European continent. In addition to potential reductions in Italy, the Trump administration could abandon plans to station long-range missiles in Germany - a key component of NATO's regional deterrence strategy.
Trump's frustration is unhealed
The change in military posture is driven by the American President's frustration with certain European allies regarding their level of assistance in US-led operations against Iran.
Bloomberg sources suggest that these measures serve as a direct signal of dissatisfaction with countries that have not fully aligned with Washington's objectives in the Middle East. Troops could be moved from countries that the American President is dissatisfied with to more "friendly" allies. Additionally, the United States could cease participation in certain joint military exercises.
The Wall Street Journal has already revealed that the Trump administration is considering a plan to sanction some NATO states that the American President believes did not sufficiently support the United States and Israel during the war with Iran.
The strategy involves relocating American troops from NATO countries deemed uncooperative in the war effort against Iran and stationing them in states that have supported the US military campaign more, including Romania.
Poland, the first winner
Poland has already expressed a firm willingness to host additional American forces to strengthen NATO's eastern flank, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calling the alliance the "cornerstone" of Polish security.
Additionally, Poland's President, Karol Nawrocki, stated that his country is ready to host American soldiers withdrawn from Germany and announced that he will personally try to convince Donald Trump to relocate troops to NATO's eastern flank.
However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately declared after the announcement of the withdrawal of American troops from Germany that this move signals a "disastrous trend" in transatlantic relations.
In response to reporters' questions on this topic, Trump said on Friday that it is "possible" to make this change, citing stronger relations with the leadership of Poland. "Poland would like this. We have a great relationship with Poland. I have a great relationship with the president," he said.
"(President Karol Nawrocki) is a great fighter, he's a great guy, I like him very much, so it's possible. I could," added Trump.
Context of the withdrawal from Germany
The Pentagon announced that the withdrawal is expected to take place within the next six to 12 months. The reduction would bring the number of American troops in Europe back to pre-2022 levels when President Joe Biden increased troop deployments in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Germany hosts the largest American military presence in Europe, with around 35,000 active-duty troops, and serves as a central hub for training and logistics. The German Ministry of Defense unveiled a plan on April 22 to expand the armed forces in the coming years, aiming to build the strongest army in Europe in response to increased threats from Russia.
These developments come after the Pentagon confirmed the decision to withdraw approximately 5,000 soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Stryker Brigade) who will leave Vilseck, Bavaria, in the next year.
Publicly, Trump has suggested that the final reduction in Germany could be "much larger" than the initial 5,000.
While the White House describes these changes as a strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific and domestic areas, the potential for broader withdrawals has raised concerns among Congress leaders and NATO officials about the future of collective European security.
T.D.