Trump says Italy has been no help and Spain has been horrible as he eyes US troop cuts
Reporter: You talked about possibly moving out some troops from Germany. Would you consider the same thing for Spain and Italy?
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 30, 2026
Trump: Yeah, probably. Why shouldn’t I?
Italy has not been of any help to us, and Spain has been horrible—absolutely horrible. pic.twitter.com/cPslNXPu04
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said he is considering withdrawing US troops from Italy and Spain, escalating tensions with European allies over their reluctance to support US-led operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
The remarks came a day after Trump said he was also reviewing troop levels in Germany, broadening concerns over the future of America’s military footprint in Europe.
Speaking to reporters late on Thursday, April 30, Trump suggested troop reductions could extend beyond Germany. “Probably … look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” Trump said.
Trump sharpens criticism of NATO allies
Trump’s comments follow weeks of public criticism of European allies over what he describes as insufficient support for US and allied operations tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
The president has argued that allies benefiting from global shipping lanes should contribute more to securing them.
The latest remarks come amid strained exchanges with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently criticized the US strategy in the Iran conflict and said Washington was being “humiliated” by Tehran after stalled diplomatic efforts.
Spain and Italy have taken different positions on the conflict, but both have resisted some US military requests.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has openly opposed the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, while Italy declined in March to allow a Sicilian airbase to be used as a transit point for US weapons shipments.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto pushed back on Trump’s comments, saying he did “not understand” the rationale behind the threat and rejected claims that Italy had not supported US maritime security efforts.
“As is clear to everyone, this never happened,” Crosetto said, referring to allegations involving European-linked ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. “We have also made ourselves available for a mission to protect shipping.”
Spain has not formally responded to Trump’s latest remarks, though Madrid has previously denied US requests to use jointly operated bases for military strikes on Iran.
Concerns grow over US troop reductions in Europe
The United States maintains a significant military presence in Europe, with approximately 68,000 active-duty personnel stationed across the continent at the end of last year, according to Defense Manpower Data Center figures.
Around 13,000 are based in Italy, while roughly 3,800 are stationed in Spain. Germany remains the largest US military hub in Europe, with about 36,400 personnel.
Defense analysts and lawmakers from both parties have warned that reducing troop levels could weaken US strategic flexibility. European bases serve as major logistical hubs for operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Republican Rep Don Bacon criticized Trump’s continued pressure on NATO allies, warning that cuts could undermine American military reach.
“The continued attacks on NATO allies … hurt Americans,” Bacon wrote on social media, adding that US airbases in Germany provide critical access across multiple regions.
Congress has also moved to limit presidential authority on troop reductions in Europe. A defense bill passed last year bars troop levels from dropping below 76,000 for more than 45 days without congressional approval.
