What scale of cuts is under consideration?
The reported plan targets approximately 25,000 US service members, representing one-third of the 80,000 troops currently stationed in Europe. Sources cited by NBC News indicate the reduction could reach 40,000 personnel in a more extensive scenario. The withdrawal would also include combat aircraft, naval vessels and weapons systems. This would mark the largest reduction of US forces in Europe since the 1990s drawdown that followed the end of the Cold War. The American president has repeatedly threatened to pull US forces from Europe as part of criticism of NATO, claiming Europe does not provide the United States with help proportional to what it receives. One American official and another person familiar with the consultations say the cut could be even larger, reaching up to half the force. The network reports that the reduction of US forces in Europe could affect about one-third of total American troops, corresponding to roughly 25,000 people, with some discussions pointing to possible cuts reaching half the current presence. The plan under review would remove planes, ships, weapons and tens of thousands of personnel even as NATO allies highlight the growing threat of Russian aggression.
Why is the Pentagon studying these changes?
US officials have stated that European NATO members should assume primary responsibility for their own defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers in June 2026 that the United States is moving quickly and irreversibly toward this goal. Under Secretary Elbridge Colby described the desired outcome in August as a stronger, fairer and sustainable alliance in which Europe carries the larger share of defense tasks. The administration has also sent questionnaires to NATO allies to assess alignment with US policy priorities. The US government wants to redirect its military resources to address growing challenges in Asia and the Middle East. The Pentagon has officially stated that it is conducting a study to determine the optimal level of US forces in NATO. Officials argue that Europe possesses sufficient economic and military resources to defend itself and that US forces could be redirected toward challenges in Asia and the Middle East. The administration views Europe as wealthy and strong enough to fully defend itself. The questionnaire sent to allies served as a clear signal that lack of alignment with US priorities could result in reduced American support.
How does the proposal fit previous statements by President Trump?
President Trump has repeatedly threatened to reduce US military presence in Europe, citing what he describes as insufficient burden-sharing by European allies. The current review aligns with those earlier comments. Officials argue that Europe possesses sufficient economic and military resources to defend itself and that US forces could be redirected toward challenges in Asia and the Middle East. The administration views Europe as wealthy and strong enough to fully defend itself. The president has made such threats multiple times in the context of his criticism toward NATO, maintaining that Europe does not offer the United States help in proportion to the support it receives. The proposed reductions continue this long-standing position that European contributions are not proportional to the benefits received.
What reactions have come from NATO partners?
NATO allies have warned that large-scale US withdrawals could weaken collective defense at a time of heightened concern over Russian military activity. The reported plan is being prepared inside the Department of Defense while an official study continues on the optimal US force posture for the alliance. No final decisions have been announced. The network, citing US officials, notes that the reduction of US forces in Europe could affect about one-third of total American troops, corresponding to roughly 25,000 people. Allies have expressed concerns about the growing threat of Russian aggression and the implications for the alliance if the United States proceeds with significant reductions. Warnings from NATO partners emphasize that any major pullback would occur despite the rising Russian threat.
What would follow if the reductions are approved?
Implementation would require detailed planning on which units, bases and equipment would be affected. Any change would also affect training, logistics and command arrangements that currently support NATO operations. European governments would face pressure to increase their own defense spending and capabilities to offset the reduction. Removing forces from Europe could weaken both NATO and other US alliances and partnerships. The withdrawal would involve not only personnel but also combat aircraft, naval vessels and weapons systems, marking the most substantial cut since the post-Cold War period in the 1990s. The plan would represent the biggest reduction in the American military footprint in Europe since the 1990s.
Frequently asked questions
How many US troops are currently in Europe?
The United States maintains approximately 80,000 military personnel in Europe according to the reported figures.
Could the reduction reach 50 percent?
Two sources familiar with the discussions told NBC News that cuts as high as 40,000 troops remain possible.
Does the plan include equipment as well as personnel?
Yes, the proposal under review covers aircraft, ships and weapons systems in addition to troops.
When was the most recent major reduction?
The largest previous drawdown occurred in the 1990s after the Cold War ended.
Has the Pentagon confirmed a final decision?
No, officials have described the work as an ongoing study of the optimal force level.
