Donald Trump has issued a chilling threat to pull all US troops out of Europe, warning that otherwise the continent will cease to exist. The former president made the remarks while again pressing for Greenland to become part of the United States.
Trump's Warning on European Security
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said: "We're not going to have a Europe anymore if we keep pouring money and troops into it." He suggested that the US military presence in Europe is unsustainable and that European nations must take greater responsibility for their own defense.
Trump has long criticized NATO allies for failing to meet defense spending targets, and his latest comments signal a potential shift in US foreign policy if he returns to office.
Renewed Focus on Greenland
The threat came as Trump again raised the idea of the US acquiring Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory. "Greenland is a strategic place, and we need it for national security," he stated. "The people of Greenland would be better off with us."
Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, drawing widespread criticism from Denmark and Greenlandic leaders. The proposal was dismissed as absurd at the time, but Trump has continued to advocate for it.
Impact on US-Europe Relations
Any withdrawal of US troops from Europe would fundamentally alter the security landscape, potentially emboldening Russia and undermining NATO. According to current estimates, the US maintains approximately 100,000 troops in Europe, with major deployments in Germany, Italy, and the UK.
European leaders have expressed alarm at Trump's rhetoric. A senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "Such threats undermine the very foundation of the transatlantic alliance. We take them seriously."
Trump's comments come amid ongoing debates over burden-sharing within NATO and the future of European defense. The former president has consistently argued that European allies must increase their military spending to 2% of GDP, a target many have yet to meet.
