The Pentagon has informed several european nations about its plan to withdraw approximately 200 personnel from various NATO agencies, including those overseeing and planning the alliance's military and intelligence operations, Reuters and The Washington Post reported on 20/1, citing senior officials in President Donald Trump's administration.

Three sources indicated that the affected agencies include the NATO Joint Intelligence Centre in the UK, the Allied Force Command in Brussels, Belgium, and the NATO Striking and Support Forces (STRIKFORNATO) based in Portugal.

The sources did not specify the reason for the US decision to reduce specialized personnel within NATO. This move aligns with the Trump administration's stated intention to reallocate more resources to the Western Hemisphere.

US soldiers conduct drills in the UK in july 2025. Photo: US Navy

This reduction in US personnel at NATO is expected to impact nearly 30 of the alliance's agencies, according to officials familiar with the matter. Instead of an immediate withdrawal, the Pentagon will not replace personnel as their terms end, a process that could span several years.

According to two US officials, this decision has been under consideration for months. One official confirmed that it is unrelated to the tensions between the US and Denmark concerning President Trump's statements about Greenland.

When asked for comment, a NATO official stated that changes in US personnel are not unusual and that the country's military presence in europe is larger than in previous years.

Approximately 80,000 US soldiers and defense personnel are deployed in europe as part of NATO, with most stationed in Germany.

"NATO and the US are in close contact regarding our overall situation to ensure the alliance maintains strong deterrence and defense capabilities," the NATO official said.

In a post on Truth Social on 20/1, President Trump declared, "no one contributed more to NATO than I did." He added, "If I hadn't appeared, NATO would now be wiped out, lying in the ashes of history."

Trump also shared another post suggesting that "NATO is the real threat, while the risks from Russia and China are exaggerated."

The NATO emblem outside its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium in april 2025. Photo: AP

This information emerges as NATO faces its most strained period since its inception, particularly following President Trump's statements about his intent to acquire Greenland, an autonomous island territory of Denmark, a NATO member. Many european leaders have warned that a US acquisition of Greenland by force would mark the end of NATO.

Last week, Trump announced he would impose tariffs on some NATO member countries starting on 1/2, after these nations expressed support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. European Union officials are considering countermeasures in response to Trump's decision.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, WP, AFP)