Trump is considering NATO reform and a possible withdrawal of troops from Germany — media reports

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of NATO’s role and the allies’ financial contributions to defense. 

This is reported in an article by The Telegraph. 

A major restructuring of the alliance is being discussed in Washington. Among the possible solutions are the withdrawal of American troops from Germany, as well as a change in the principles governing member states’ influence within NATO. The White House believes that allies must significantly increase their defense spending; otherwise, their role in the alliance may be limited.

According to sources, an approach is being considered under which countries that spend less than 5% of their GDP on defense could lose their voting rights on strategic issues.

“The frustration we feel toward the Europeans is very real. Any country that doesn’t pay five percent should not have a say in matters of future NATO spending,” a U.S. government source noted.

The current standard for alliance members calls for spending of at least 2% of GDP, but Trump insists on a significant increase in this figure.

Restrictions on influence could affect issues such as NATO expansion, joint operations, and even the invocation of Article 5 on collective defense.

Separately, the possibility of relocating about 35,000 U.S. troops from Germany to Hungary is being considered. One of the reasons cited is Berlin’s level of defense spending, which stood at about 2% of GDP in 2025.

Thus, discussions in the U.S. are intensifying regarding changes to NATO’s operational approach, with an emphasis on greater financial responsibility from European allies.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized British aircraft carriers, calling them “toys” compared to American ships. He made this statement during a cabinet meeting at the White House on March 26.