The United States plans to reduce the number of personnel stationed at several key NATO command centres, a move that could deepen concerns in Europe about Washington’s long-term commitment to the alliance, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The Trump administration has already communicated the decision to some European capitals. As part of the plan, the US will eliminate roughly 200 positions from NATO bodies responsible for overseeing and coordinating the alliance’s military and intelligence operations, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
Key NATO Units to Be Affected
Among the NATO entities facing staff reductions are:
- NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre in the United Kingdom
- Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Brussels
- STRIKFORNATO, based in Portugal, which oversees certain maritime operations
Several other NATO command structures are also expected to be impacted, though Reuters could not obtain a complete list.
The Washington Post first reported the decision.
Cuts Align With US Strategic Shift
The sources did not specify the precise reasons behind the staffing cuts. However, the move broadly aligns with the Trump administration’s stated goal of redirecting US military and strategic resources toward the Western Hemisphere.
The drawdown will largely occur through attrition, with the US choosing not to backfill many positions as personnel rotate out, rather than recalling service members immediately.
Symbolic Impact Looms Larger Than Military Effect
The cuts are modest when compared to the overall US military footprint in Europe. Around 80,000 American troops remain stationed across the continent, nearly half of them in Germany.
Nevertheless, analysts and diplomats say the move carries significant symbolic weight, particularly at a time when NATO unity is under strain.
Of the approximately 400 US personnel currently assigned to the NATO entities affected, the reductions would lower American representation by roughly 50 percent, according to one source.
Trump Reposts Message Calling NATO a ‘Threat’
European anxieties have intensified amid a series of actions and statements by US President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Trump reposted a message on social media that identified NATO as a threat to the United States, while portraying China and Russia as mere “boogeymen.”
The development comes as Trump renews pressure on allies over defense spending and escalates his campaign to assert control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark — a move that has alarmed governments across Europe.
NATO Responds, White House Silent
Asked to comment, a NATO official said staffing changes by the US are not unusual and noted that the overall US military presence in Europe remains higher than in recent years.
“NATO and US authorities are in close contact about our overall posture — to ensure NATO retains our robust capacity to deter and defend,” the official said.
The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.
Alliance Faces One of Its Most Fraught Periods
The drawdown comes as NATO navigates one of the most diplomatically challenging periods in its 77-year history.
Trump previously threatened to withdraw the US from NATO during his first term and said during the campaign that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members that failed to meet defense spending targets.
Although Trump struck a conciliatory tone in mid-2025 — praising NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte after allies agreed to boost defense spending — relations have deteriorated again in recent months.
In December, US officials told European diplomats that Washington expects Europe to assume primary responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense capabilities by 2027, a timeline many European leaders view as unrealistic.
A subsequent US national security strategy also emphasized a shift of military focus toward the Western Hemisphere, raising questions about whether Europe will remain a priority for Washington.
Greenland Dispute and Tariff Threats Add Pressure
Trump has recently revived his push to acquire Greenland, angering Denmark and other European allies. Many officials fear that any territorial aggression within NATO would effectively spell the end of the alliance.
Over the weekend, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on several NATO countries starting February 1 in response to their support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, prompting the European Union to consider retaliatory measures.