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Donald Trump is dissatisfied with allies.
The United States president has discussed with advisers the possibility of withdrawing part of American troops from Europe, Reuters reports, citing a senior White House official. The source said no final decision has been made, and the White House has not instructed the Pentagon to draft specific plans. However, the discussions themselves indicate a sharp deterioration in relations with European allies within NATO.
Trump is reportedly frustrated that allies did not help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz and is also irritated that his plans to acquire Greenland have stalled. These tensions suggest that the recent visit of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to the White House did not significantly improve transatlantic relations, which are now among the lowest since the Alliance’s founding in 1949.
Currently, more than 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe, with over 30,000 in Germany and significant contingents in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain. A potential withdrawal would reduce Washington’s security commitments without formally leaving NATO, a move that could raise serious legal questions.
According to the source, Trump is primarily considering bringing troops back to the United States rather than redeploying them elsewhere. Still, earlier reports suggested the option of moving forces from countries that criticized U.S. policy toward Iran to those offering stronger support.
Rutte acknowledged Trump’s frustration but noted that most European countries have supported the U.S. in the conflict with Iran and that Washington expects concrete commitments from allies on securing the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days.
Overall, analysts see these developments as part of a broader shift: traditional alliance mechanisms that once ensured rapid, coordinated responses are weakening, and partners are increasingly reluctant to act automatically on Washington’s lead.
