8, 2026, in Washington File photo: The Pentagon is seen from the air, Tuesday, Sept.
The Pentagon is considering withdrawing at least 25,000 US troops from Europe, potentially cutting the American military presence on the continent by nearly one-third, NBC News reported Thursday. The drawdown could be even larger, with some options involving the withdrawal of as many as 40,000 troops, according to current and former US and Western officials cited by NBC. Around 80,000 US troops are currently stationed in Europe.
No final decision has been made on the possible reductions. Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest US military deployments in Europe, are among the countries that could be affected.
Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6, after which any proposal would be presented to President Donald Trump. NBC also reported that the State Department and Pentagon have differed over the review. The options are part of a six-month Pentagon review of the US military presence in Europe. The review is expected to outline several options involving US aviation, naval and ground forces. It could also consider moving some American troops within Europe, including towards NATO’s eastern flank. Any troop withdrawal would take place only after that process. The Trump administration has argued that European countries should take greater responsibility for their conventional defence, while the US shifts more military resources towards other regions and priorities. The prospect of a major reduction has raised concerns among some US lawmakers and European governments, who have warned that a rapid withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defence ministers on potential large-scale reductions. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
General Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command and serves as NATO’s supreme allied commander, is expected to submit an initial assessment to defence secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.