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.
Rain
Latest News Stories
Frankfort Board Raises No Objection to Unincorporated 28-Lot Olive Oaks Subdivision
Illinois Dems seek to expand post-release convict support, housing
$580B federal highway bill clears committee; includes rail safety, EV fees
Tennessee smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia dismissed
NASA reorganizes to accelerate Moon Base, lunar programs
Gabbard announces resignation, cites personal reasons
Illinois Quick Hits: Community College reimbursement bill passed
Powell out, Warsh in as new chair of Federal Reserve
Nessel pushes back as Trump administration extends order keeping coal plant open
Bipartisan praise for federal charges in Minnesota fraud cases
Congress rejects Trump’s proposed NASA budget cuts
Comptroller, Chicago officials debate tax fund sweeps
