Pentagon weighs withdrawal of Up to 40,000 U.S. troops from Europe

The Pentagon is considering withdrawing about 25,000 or more U.S. troops from Europe, a move that could reduce the American military presence on the continent by nearly one-third, NBC News reported on Thursday, September 17.

The proposed drawdown could be significantly larger, potentially involving as many as 40,000 troops, NBC reported, citing current and former U.S. and Western officials familiar with the deliberations. About 80,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Europe.

No final decisions have been made, according to the report.

Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest U.S. military deployments in Europe, are among the countries that could be affected.

The options are being considered as part of a six-month Pentagon review of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who heads U.S. European Command and serves as NATO’s supreme allied commander, is expected to present an initial assessment to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, NBC reported.

The assessment is expected to set out several options involving U.S. aviation, naval and ground forces, including the possible repositioning of some American troops toward NATO’s eastern flank.

Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6, after which any proposal would be presented to President Donald Trump, according to the report.

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that European allies should assume greater responsibility for their conventional defence, allowing the United States to devote additional military resources to other regions.

The possibility of a substantial troop reduction has raised concerns among some U.S. lawmakers and European governments, which have warned that a rapid withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia.

NBC also reported that the State Department and Pentagon have disagreed over aspects of the review process.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defense ministers on potential large-scale troop reductions.

The report comes as senators have separately urged Rubio to ensure that the State Department and U.S. diplomats are fully involved in the review of the American military posture in Europe.

By Tamilla Hasanova