NATO Alliance Under Strain as Trump Pushes Troop Cuts, Europe Diversifies Defense Ties

Trump’s confrontation with NATO has not triggered a major American withdrawal, but Pentagon officials say a large troop cut is still on the table as European allies brace for a future less reliant on Washington.

Bases Still Central Despite Troop Reductions

Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base saw about half of roughly 2,000 US troops leave last year, yet American refueling aircraft supporting operations against Iran remained stationed there for months, showing continued US reliance on European bases. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had planned to cut 25,000 troops from Europe but faced internal resistance, settling instead on a six-month Pentagon review measuring allies’ military and political commitment to Washington.

Trust Erodes Even as Spending Rises

Despite Trump’s pressure, the US continues major investments across Europe, including $400 million at Spain’s Moron base and over $4.2 billion across British air bases. Still, at least eight NATO members, including Canada, Poland, Denmark and Spain, are diversifying away from US weapons and technology.

Former intelligence official J.C. Lintzenich said Europe is spending more and taking defense seriously, but genuine fear remains that the US could abandon its allies. European and American officials worry that Trump’s rhetoric alone, regardless of formal withdrawal, could embolden Russia amid rising sabotage incidents and drone incursions across NATO territory.