“Probable”. Trump confirms how he wants to punish two large European countries that are members of NATO
US President Donald Trump answered “probably” on Thursday when asked if he was considering withdrawing US troops from two European countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Italy and Spain, a day after announcing that Washington was considering reducing its troop numbers in Germany, Reuters and CNN write.
The White House leader's statement comes in the context in which the US is widely reevaluating its military presence in Europe, amid disagreements with NATO allies regarding the war with Iran.
“I mean, they weren't exactly on board,” Trump replied when asked about the possibility of reducing US military forces in Italy and Spain. The night before, Trump had said that he was also considering a possible reduction of troops in Germany.
“Yes, I probably will,” Trump added, “Why wouldn't I? Italy was no help. Spain was terrible. Absolutely,” the Republican president added.
Trump has had significant friction with the leaders of European allies over their failure to provide support in the war with Iran. And on Thursday, in the Oval Office of the White House, the US president renewed his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in particular.
“And you would have thought they (allies, no) would have said, 'We'd love to help you,'” Trump said.
“I mean, he's doing a terrible job,” the US leader added, referring to Merz.
Merz said earlier this week that the United States was “humiliated” by Iran, although he also said his relationship with Trump remained “good.”
Trump has recently harshly criticized NATO allies for not sending their naval forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East conflict.
The strategic strait, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed before the war with Iran, has remained virtually closed since early March, causing market turmoil and unprecedented disruptions to global energy supplies.
