On July 8, 2026, President Donald Trump indicated that he may withdraw U.S. troops from Europe if European allies do not support his agenda, including negotiations regarding Greenland and the U.S. stance on Iran. Speaking on Air Force One after the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump praised the unity among leaders but expressed disappointment in some allies for not backing his initiatives. He stated, "A lot’s going to depend on Greenland, and a lot, lot, I think [we can] make a very good deal in Greenland, and if we don’t, maybe I will."
Trump has previously criticized countries like Spain and Italy for not contributing enough to NATO and for their reluctance to support U.S. military efforts in Iran. However, he later acknowledged Spain's cooperation during the summit. The president reiterated his concerns about the military presence in Europe, stating, "We can remove all of our soldiers out of Europe," citing changes in the continent over the past two decades. He emphasized the importance of European nations being cautious about immigration and energy issues.