The Pentagon is weighing a hefty reduction in the number of US Troops in Europe, with officials examining options that could see at least 25,000 American
personnel withdrawn from the continent, according to an NBC News report. The proposed drawdown is being studied as part of a broader Department of Defence review of US military deployments across Europe, where approximately 80,000 American troops are currently stationed. While the review is underway, no final decision has been taken and the proposals remain under consideration within the Trump administration. NBC News reported that the potential reduction could extend beyond 25,000 troops and reach as many as 40,000 personnel, citing current and former US and Western officials familiar with the deliberations. Such a move would substantially reshape the American military footprint across Europe, particularly in countries hosting some of Washington’s largest overseas deployments. Germany, Italy and Spain are among the nations expected to be most affected if the Pentagon eventually recommends troop reductions.
Pentagon review examines aviation, naval and ground deployments
The proposed changes stem from a six-month Europe force posture review launched by the Pentagon earlier this year to reassess America’s military basing and operational presence across the continent. The review is examining multiple force structures rather than a single withdrawal plan, including aviation assets, naval deployments and ground formations positioned throughout Europe.
General Alexus Grynkewich, who serves as commander of US European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is expected to submit an initial assessment to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth is expected to receive the final recommendation by November 6 before any proposal is forwarded to President Donald Trump for consideration.
NATO allies raise concerns over possible troop reductions
Reports of a possible withdrawal have drawn concern among several lawmakers in Washington as well as governments across Europe, where American forces remain central to NATO’s collective deterrence posture. European officials have warned that a rapid reduction in US troop numbers could affect the alliance’s ability to respond to security challenges, particularly along NATO’s eastern frontier facing Russia.
The review has also exposed differences within the US government over how decisions regarding Europe’s military posture should be coordinated. NBC News reported that the State Department and Pentagon have differed over aspects of the review process, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervening in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defence ministers on potential large-scale reductions.
However, at present, the deliberations remain an internal policy exercise rather than an approved withdrawal order. The Pentagon has not publicly announced a decision to reduce its military presence in Europe, and the force posture review is expected to continue until recommendations are formally presented to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Any eventual restructuring of US Troops in Europe would therefore depend on decisions taken after the Department of Defence completes its assessment and the proposal reaches President Donald Trump.
