The Pentagon Has Reversed Its Decision Regarding U.S. Troops In Europe
- 14.11.2026, 23:02
Good news for Europeans.
The reduction of the U.S. military contingent in Europe, which numbers about 80,000 troops, will be less extensive than European leaders had feared. This was reported by the news agency Bloomberg reported this, citing informed sources.
Previously, allies feared that the U.S. might withdraw up to 25,000 troops. Now, according to the agency, a smaller reduction is more likely: Washington has viewed the increase in NATO countries’ defense spending positively. The issue is still being discussed within the administration.
Sources note that the Pentagon has also recognized how important U.S. forces in Europe are for projecting power in the Middle East, where a protracted conflict with Iran continues. According to one of Bloomberg’s sources, the allies expect a reduction of approximately 5,000 personnel. The final decision rests with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Europeans for not providing enough support to the U.S. and Israel in their confrontation with Tehran.
“We have a lot of resources here, located exactly where they’re needed. I don’t expect anything on a large scale,” Trump’s top representative to NATO, Matt Whitaker, said earlier this month.
The bulk of the cuts will fall on Germany, where the largest U.S. contingent is stationed. At the same time, NATO’s eastern flank will be reinforced, and countries bordering Russia are prepared to cover part of the costs.
A Pentagon spokesperson told Bloomberg that the review is ongoing and there is nothing to announce at this time. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby is set to present a formal report on the proposed changes to Defense Secretary Pete Hegset. Hegset is expected to submit his final recommendations to Trump on December 1.
Bloomberg notes that last year, Congress passed a law limiting the Pentagon’s ability to reduce troop levels in Europe. Specifically, it is prohibited to reduce troop levels below 76,000, close bases, or withdraw major weapon systems without consulting with allies and conducting a detailed risk analysis. The current review includes a risk assessment prepared by the head of U.S. European Command, Alexas Grinkevičius, as well as feedback from NATO allies. The Trump administration may use these materials as evidence of compliance with the law.
Furthermore, according to Bloomberg, the Democrats’ takeover of Congress following the November 3 midterm elections—and, consequently, control over government spending—will significantly limit Trump’s ability to implement large-scale cuts.