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The Pentagon is considering withdrawing at least 25,000 U.S. troops from Europe, potentially cutting the American military presence on the continent by nearly one-third, NBC News reported Thursday.
The reduction could be even larger, reaching as many as 40,000 troops, according to current and former U.S. and Western officials cited by NBC. About 80,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Europe, and no final decision has been made.
Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest U.S. deployments on the continent, are among the countries likely to be affected.
The options are part of a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. force levels in Europe.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander, is expected to provide an initial assessment to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.
The review is expected to present several options involving aviation, naval and ground forces, including the possible repositioning of some U.S. troops toward NATO’s eastern flank.
Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on Nov. 6 before any proposal is presented to President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration has argued that European countries should assume greater responsibility for conventional defense while the U.S. shifts resources toward other priorities, including China, Iran and the Western Hemisphere.
European governments and some U.S. lawmakers have warned that a rapid drawdown could weaken NATO’s ability to deter Russia.
Germany currently hosts about 36,000 U.S. troops, Italy about 12,000, while Spain hosts major U.S. air and naval facilities.
European officials have urged Washington to make any reductions gradually so countries have time to develop capabilities such as long-range missiles, satellite surveillance and aerial refueling.
A congressional Republican cited by NBC described a 25,000-troop reduction as “not acceptable,” arguing that Russian deterrence could not be maintained cheaply.
Congress has also restricted the use of certain Pentagon funds if U.S. troop levels in Europe fall below 76,000, though defense officials have said rotational deployments could provide ways around those limits.
The debate comes as European governments warn of growing Russian threats, including alleged sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions.
Germany recently blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport, while NATO aircraft have downed several drones over the alliance’s eastern flank since June.
NBC also reported tensions between the Pentagon and State Department over the review. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defense ministers on major force reductions.
Hegseth has said the review is intended to ensure Europe takes “primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.”
Grynkewich has separately told lawmakers that U.S. bases and forces in Europe also help Washington project military power more efficiently into Africa and the Middle East.
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