The United States plans to start discussions with European NATO allies about reducing its troop presence in Europe later this year, according to US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker.
When asked about reports that the Trump administration is considering withdrawing thousands of troops from Europe, Whitaker said no final decisions have been made. However, he confirmed that formal talks will begin after the NATO summit scheduled for June in The Hague.
“All our allies are ready to have these conversations,” Whitaker said at a security conference in Estonia. He emphasized that any troop reductions will be coordinated carefully to avoid creating security gaps.
Whitaker noted that the US has long considered reducing its European military presence, but under President Trump, the process is being accelerated. “This is going to be orderly,” he said, adding that patience for delays is running out.
Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO allies that the US cannot remain primarily focused on European security given other global priorities. Some recent comments by Hegseth criticizing European allies for “free-loading” have heightened concerns in Europe about the US commitment to NATO.
Despite this, Whitaker reassured that the US remains committed to the alliance and will continue to be a strong ally. He also warned against European Union policies that might restrict non-EU companies from defense contracts, saying this could harm NATO interoperability and innovation.