WATCH: Trump ‘probably’ considering pulling U.S. troops out of Italy, Spain
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he is considering removing U.S. military troops from Italy and Spain, due to the country’s lack of assistance during the Iran military conflict.
Trump, in the Oval Office, told The Center Square’s Sarah Roderick-Fitch he was “probably” considering removing U.S. military troops.
“Why shouldn’t I?” Trump asked. “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”
On Wednesday, Trump suggested reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany over issues with NATO and the conflict in Iran.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” he wrote on social media.
Trump criticized NATO in his remarks about Spain and Italy. He said the U.S. provided assistance during the war in Ukraine even though “we were an ocean away.”
“But when we needed them, they were not there,” Trump said. “We have to remember that.”
Trump said he asked leaders in Spain and Italy for help opening the Strait of Hormuz but they refused.
“The amazing thing is, they use the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said. “We don’t use it. We don’t need it.”
The U.S. has more than 68,000 active-duty military assigned permanently to military bases in Europe, according to the U.S. Defense Manpower Data Center. About 36,400 are based in Germany.
Trump also further criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“He’s doing a terrible job. He’s got immigration problems, he’s got energy problems, he’s got problems of all kinds and he’s got a big problem with Ukraine,” Trump said.
Trump reiterated his goal in Iran was to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“If you agree they can’t have a nuclear weapon, then what I did has been executed perfectly, because our military has decimated them,” Trump said.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Midwest takes brunt of rising gas prices
Manhattan District 114 Rejects Bus Bids, Retains Lincoln-Way with Six-Month Trial
JJC Entrepreneur and Business Center Celebrates $800,000 Federal Grant, Client Successes
Chicago mayor to push for local funding, keeping Bears
Senate Republicans unveil $72 billion budget package to fund ICE, CBP
Jackson Township Reassesses Land Acquisition Needs for ComEd Project
Illinois AI regulations have mild industry support, could draw federal ire
DOJ files complaint to block Minnesota climate lawsuit
Hegseth: Ceasefire holds despite Iranian aggression
Illinois Quick Hits: Mayors to visit capitol urge protection of local funding
Despite tax revolt, Lower Merion keeps administrator pay high
Supreme Court allows Louisiana to immediately move on drawing new map
