Trump Considers "Punishment" for Unhelpful NATO Allies

US President Donald Trump is considering a plan to withdraw American troops from certain NATO countries that declined to support the US during its recent military campaign against Iran, according to a report citing administration officials.

The proposal, still under discussion, would involve repositioning US forces away from countries viewed as uncooperative during Operation Epic Fury, the American-led campaign against Iranian targets. Officials said potential withdrawals could include bases in Germany and Spain, both of which were cited as having taken positions at odds with Washington during the conflict.

Spain reportedly closed its airspace to US warplanes involved in the operation, while German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier publicly criticized the war as a “disastrous mistake” and accused the United States of violating international law.

Under the plan, some of the approximately 84,000 US troops currently stationed across Europe could be relocated to countries seen as more supportive of the campaign, including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece. Romania, in particular, allowed US forces to operate from its bases during the Iran strikes.

The potential move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and NATO allies, with Trump sharply criticizing the alliance’s response to the conflict. In recent remarks, he accused NATO members of failing to support the United States during a critical moment, arguing that American taxpayers disproportionately fund European defense.

The issue was discussed during a meeting at the White House between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to NATO, the two held a “frank discussion” on shared security concerns, including the implications of the Iran war.

White House officials have also indicated that broader questions about the US role in NATO could be revisited. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the possibility of reducing US involvement in the alliance has been raised internally, reflecting frustration within the administration.

While no final decisions have been announced, the reported plan shows that there is a growing rift between the United States and some of its European allies, as disagreements over the Iran conflict spill into broader questions about the future of NATO cooperation.