On May 4, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly stated that she personally disagrees with President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany.
Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Meloni addressed the broader context of U.S. troop reductions in Europe, including potential withdrawals from Italy and Spain. Her key comments included:
- Opposition to the Move: Meloni explicitly said, "It's a choice that doesn't depend on me, I personally don't agree with it".
- Defense of Italy's Record: She countered criticisms of Italy's contributions, stating that Italy has "always kept its commitments" within NATO, even when its direct interests were not at stake, citing past involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- European Security: She noted that while the U.S. has been discussing a withdrawal from Europe for some time, she believes Europe must now "strengthen our security" and capacity to respond.
Reports from outlets like Reuters and Times of Israel indicate that Meloni’s firm stance comes as a response to Trump’s accusations that some European allies have not been sufficiently helpful in recent conflicts, specifically regarding U.S. operations in Iran.
