Pentagon Weighs Up to 40,000 Troop Cuts in Europe

The Pentagon is considering options that could reduce the number of US troops stationed in Europe by as many as 40,000, according to NBC, in a review aimed at shifting more defence responsibility to European allies.

NBC reported that the range of measures being assessed could also involve withdrawing aircraft, ships and other military equipment. It said Germany, Italy and Spain could be among the countries most affected by any reduction.

Possible Repositioning Toward Eastern Europe

Some forces could be moved closer to Russia rather than being removed altogether. The network said the options include relocating certain troops and military capabilities to NATO countries in eastern Europe, where they would be positioned nearer to Russia.

NBC said it expects a final recommendation from the review to be passed to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6.

Review Linked to Push for European Responsibility

The review began in June as part of the Trump administration’s push for European allies to take on more responsibility for their own conventional defence.

Hegseth has said the goal is to reshape NATO so that Europe takes the lead in its own defence, including assuming primary responsibility for defending Europe.

The report arrives a day after President Donald Trump said “major progress” had been made toward establishing a permanent US Army base in Poland. Trump said its location could be announced “very soon” if the plan goes ahead.

Congress Faces Questions Over Large Cuts

The prospect of reductions on the scale being discussed has drawn concern from lawmakers from both parties.

NBC quoted a Republican member of Congress as saying that cutting 25,000 troops was “absolutely unacceptable”. The lawmaker added: “You can’t deter the Russians on the cheap.”

Congress has also introduced restrictions that could limit the Pentagon’s ability to carry out a large withdrawal.

Legal Barriers to Keeping Numbers Below a Threshold

Under a 2026 annual defence policy bill, the Pentagon cannot use certain funds to keep US troop numbers in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days unless senior defence officials first submit security assessments and certifications to Congress.

After that submission, there is a further 60-day waiting period before the Pentagon could proceed under the affected funding provisions.

The review’s recommendations and the extent of any potential redeployments are therefore likely to hinge not only on military planning, but also on whether any changes meet the conditions set by lawmakers.

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19 September 2026