Trump Considers NATO Troop Relocation... Is South Korea Also Under Pressure? (Comprehensive)

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering relocating U.S. troops stationed in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries to more cooperative nations. This move is interpreted as being based on the judgment that there is no reason for U.S. troops to remain in countries that were not supportive during the Iran war. Given that President Trump has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with South Korea and Japan for not providing assistance, concerns are being raised that similar sanctions could be applied to these countries as well.

U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on April 8 (local time), citing U.S. government officials, that such sanction measures are under consideration. The plan would involve withdrawing U.S. troops from NATO member states deemed uncooperative in the Iran war and redeploying them to countries that were supportive of military operations. This is a different measure from President Trump's recent mention of a complete withdrawal from NATO, which would legally require the consent of the U.S. Congress.

According to the WSJ, this plan has recently been shared among senior officials and is gaining support, but it remains at the conceptual stage. The report also noted that this is one of several options the White House is reviewing to penalize NATO.

There are approximately 84,000 U.S. troops stationed across Europe, although the number fluctuates due to military training and rotational deployments. U.S. military bases in Europe serve as key strategic points for America's global military operations and also provide economic benefits to host nations. Bases in Eastern Europe, in particular, are operated as a deterrent against Russian expansion.

The U.S. government is reportedly considering not only redeploying troops, but also closing at least one European base. Spain or Germany are being mentioned as potential locations for closure. Conversely, countries such as Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece are cited by officials as likely beneficiaries. These countries have some of the highest defense spending ratios within NATO. Among them are nations that were among the first to express support for the international coalition monitoring the Strait of Hormuz.

The WSJ report did not mention South Korea or Japan. However, President Trump has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with South Korea. Last month, through his social media platform Truth Social, he stated, "We have been informed by NATO allies that they do not wish to participate in our military operations against the terrorist regime of Iran in the Middle East," adding, "We do not need anyone's help." He further commented, "The same goes for Japan, Australia, and South Korea."

At an Easter event on April 1, he also brought up the issue of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, mentioning U.S. Forces Korea. In a White House press conference on April 6, he again pointed out that NATO, a security ally, did not provide assistance in the Iran war, stating, "It was not just NATO. Do you know who else didn't help us? South Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.