President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain, escalating his criticism of European allies for their refusal to support US-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump called Spain “absolutely horrible” and suggested Italy had not been helpful, raising the possibility of reducing the American military presence in both countries.
Background of the Dispute
The threat follows a similar warning to Germany, where Trump criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for saying the US was being “humiliated” by Iran. Spain and Italy have been among the most vocal European opponents of Trump’s war on Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently spoken out against the conflict, while Italy denied the US permission to use an airbase in Sicily for transporting weapons to the war zone in late March.
Italy’s Response
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto rejected Trump’s accusations, stating that Italy had offered to participate in a mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which he claimed was appreciated by the US military. He also denied Trump’s claim that European-linked ships had crossed the strait, calling it false. Approximately 13,000 US military personnel are stationed across seven naval bases in Italy.
Spain’s Position
Spain has denied the US permission to use jointly operated military bases for attacks on Iran and has been a leading EU critic of Trump’s policies. Last month, Trump threatened a full trade embargo on Spain, which hosts about 3,800 active-duty US troops at the Rota naval station and Morón airbase. Sánchez has emphasized that Spain will cooperate with allies but only within the framework of international law.
Implications for US Military Presence in Europe
According to the US Defense Manpower Data Center, the US had 68,000 active-duty military personnel in Europe at the end of last year, with over half stationed in Germany. Analysts warn that a significant drawdown could cost billions of dollars and reduce Washington’s global military reach. Republican Representative Don Bacon criticized the threats, stating that attacks on NATO allies hurt Americans and that bases in Germany provide crucial access to three continents.
Legal and Political Hurdles
Trump’s ability to reduce troop numbers is limited by a defense bill passed last year, which prohibits levels in Europe from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocks the removal of major equipment. Additionally, a 2024 law bars the president from leaving NATO without a two-thirds Senate majority or an act of Congress. German military officials reportedly remain calm, viewing Trump’s rhetoric as bluster that will not lead to significant changes.
Impact on US-Italy Relations
Relations between Rome and Washington have been strained further after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump’s attack on Pope Leo over the pontiff’s condemnation of the war on Iran. Trump accused Meloni of lacking courage for not joining the conflict. The US naval air station in Sigonella, Sicily, has been a focal point of protests since the start of the Iran conflict, with Italy refusing transit for US military aircraft bound for the Middle East in late March due to authorization issues.
Strategic Importance of Spanish Bases
The Rota naval station and Morón airbase, both in Andalusia, are under Spanish sovereignty but receive significant US funding. Rota is a key hub for the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, while Morón serves as a strategic staging post for operations across Europe and Africa. Sánchez has downplayed reports that the Pentagon might punish “difficult” NATO allies by suspending them from the alliance, noting that the NATO treaty does not include a mechanism for expulsion.
At an EU summit last week, Sánchez called Trump’s war “illegal” and said it demonstrated “the failure of brute force.” He reiterated that Spain would not be complicit in actions contrary to its values and interests. Trump has also considered withdrawing from NATO altogether, a move that would be catastrophic for European security but is seen as unlikely due to legislative constraints.
