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Eastern European countries spend some of the highest amounts on defense within NATO. The White House is discussing the idea of punishing certain NATO members that, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, did not support the United States and Israel during the war with Iran. According to officials, the plan involves withdrawing American troops from these countries and redeploying them to allies that showed greater support, writes The Wall Street Journal.
The report notes that the plan has been actively discussed in recent weeks at the White House and has already gained backing from some senior officials, though it remains at an early stage and is one of several possible approaches toward NATO. The initiative also highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and European allies following the decision to launch a war with Iran. Around 84,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Europe, although the number fluctuates due to rotations and exercises. American bases across Europe play a key role in global operations and also provide economic benefits to host countries. In addition, the U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe serves as a deterrent against Russia.
In response to a request for comment, the White House pointed to recent remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized NATO countries for insufficient support during the war with Iran. However, it has not yet been specified which countries could see troop withdrawals. Spain, the only NATO member not planning to spend 5% of GDP on defense, reportedly did not allow U.S. aircraft involved in operations against Iran to use its airspace. The administration is also said to be dissatisfied with Germany after its leadership criticized the war, despite the country remaining a major hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
Similarly, Italy temporarily restricted the use of a U.S. airbase in Sicily, while France allowed access to a base in the south only after assurances that aircraft not involved in strikes on Iran would be using it.
Officials say that, in addition to troop redeployments, the administration is considering closing at least one U.S. base in Europe, possibly in Spain or Germany. Countries that supported the U.S. — including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece — could potentially benefit from increased U.S. military presence.
The article adds that Eastern European countries are among the biggest defense spenders in NATO and were among the first to express readiness to support an international coalition to control the Strait of Hormuz. After the war began, Romania quickly agreed to allow U.S. forces to use its bases.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the plan could involve positioning more U.S. troops closer to Russia’s borders, a move likely to provoke Moscow. Trump previously said NATO’s refusal to support U.S. military operations against Iran was a “test” for the alliance and that he would “remember” their response, intensifying his criticism of the bloc. Rubio also suggested that after the war with Iran, the United States may reconsider its approach to NATO, arguing that the alliance failed to provide the expected level of support during the conflict.
