Trump: "No Plans to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Europe... Some Relocation Possible"

"Spain Should Be Expelled... Will Defend Finland in Case of Russian Attack"

On October 9 (local time), President Donald Trump of the United States stated that while there is a possibility of adjusting the locations of U.S. military bases in Europe, there are no plans for a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from the continent.

At a meeting held at the White House that day with President Alexander Stubb of Finland, President Trump was asked whether he was planning to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe. He replied, "No. But we might move some troops around here and there."

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

He explained, "We have a lot of troops in Europe. We might move them around a bit here and there, but basically, we are pretty much settled."

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense (Department of War), who attended the meeting, noted that since NATO member states have agreed to raise their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, they can primarily take responsibility for the defense of Europe. He added, "That does not mean the United States is abandoning NATO in Europe. However, we can look at where our forces are positioned and consider what makes the most sense for the United States and our NATO allies."

Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing the global posture of U.S. forces and formulating the National Defense Strategy (NDS). There is speculation that the size and composition of U.S. forces stationed in each country could be adjusted.

Meanwhile, President Trump criticized Spain, the only NATO member to oppose the 5% of GDP defense spending target, calling it a "lagging country." He said, "Frankly, it might be better to expel them from NATO."

When asked by a reporter whether the United States would defend Finland in the event of a Russian attack, President Trump replied, "Of course. They are a NATO member," but also added, "I think the likelihood of that is very low." When asked how the United States would defend Finland if it became necessary, he answered, "Strongly."