President Trump suggested withdrawing American forces from Italy and Spain, citing lack of support in Iran conflict. Italian Defense Minister Crosetto disputed the characterization.
9:23 PM
President Donald Trump said Thursday that a reduction of U.S. military forces in Italy and Spain is probable, extending criticism he has leveled at NATO allies over their support in the Iran conflict.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump responded affirmatively when asked whether he would consider troop reductions in Rome and Madrid similar to those he has proposed for Germany. "L'Italia non è stata di alcun aiuto. E la Spagna è stata terribile," Trump said, adding that the issue extends beyond individual countries to NATO as an institution.
Trump framed his position around NATO's collective response to the Iran war. "È la Nato. Non è nemmeno una questione di quanto siano cattivi. Sarebbe un conto se avessero detto le cose con garbo," he stated, suggesting that the manner in which allies communicated mattered as much as their level of assistance.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto responded to Trump's remarks, telling the ANSA news agency that he did not understand the rationale behind the criticism. Crosetto noted that Italy had not used the Strait of Hormuz and had made itself available for a mission to protect navigation in the region, a commitment he said was appreciated by American military personnel.
Crosetto pointed to Italy's support for Ukraine as evidence of the country's NATO contributions. He referenced the level of assistance Italy has provided to Kyiv in the ongoing conflict, suggesting that Trump's characterization did not reflect Italy's actual role within the alliance.
The remarks represent an expansion of Trump's criticism of NATO members beyond Germany, where he has previously suggested reducing the American military presence. The president's comments reflect ongoing tensions over defense spending and burden-sharing within the alliance.
President Trump said his administration is studying a possible reduction of troops deployed in Germany, citing an ongoing dispute with NATO allies.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, suggested to Trump and FIFA that Italy substitute for Iran in the tournament starting in June.
An internal Pentagon email proposes punishing NATO allies deemed uncooperative in U.S. Iran operations, including potential suspension of Spain.
President cites October 7 attacks and nuclear concerns as reasons for conflict that began February 28.
President Trump extended a temporary truce with Iran pending submission of a unified proposal, while keeping U.S. military blockade in place.
