Trump Rages at European Countries, Threatens Germany, Italy, and Spain

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw American military forces from Italy and Spain, a day after stating he is considering reducing the number of troops in Germany.

Quoting The Guardian on Saturday (2/5/2026), the threat emerged after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the United States as “humiliated” by Iran, and amid Trump’s criticisms of NATO allies whom he deems unhelpful in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked if he would consider withdrawing troops from Italy and Spain, Trump replied, “Possibly… why not? Italy is not helping us and Spain is very bad, really bad.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that his government continues to cooperate with allies, but always within the framework of international law.

Meanwhile, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said he “does not understand” the reason for the threat and rejected accusations that Italy is not assisting the United States, particularly in maritime security.

According to The Guardian report, around 13,000 US military personnel are stationed at seven naval bases in Italy. In Spain, approximately 3,800 personnel are based at two joint facilities, namely the Rota naval base and the Morón air base.

Spain had previously refused permission to use joint military bases for attacks against Iran. Italy also rejected the use of air bases in Sicily for US aircraft carrying weapons to Iran.

Data from the US Defense Manpower Data Center shows that at the end of last year, around 68,000 active US military personnel were stationed in Europe, with more than half—about 36,400—in Germany.

It remains unclear how much support there is for the troop withdrawal plan. The US military presence in Europe has long served as the main logistical base for operations in various regions, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.