Trump doubles down on rift with Germany, Italy and Spain

The Guardian - Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain a day after he saying was looking at curtailing the number deployed in Germany. The US president’s threat to Germany came after the country’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said America was being “humiliated” by Iran. Trump has severely criticised Nato allies for not sending their navies to help open the strait of Hormuz, a crucial commercial shipping corridor.

At an Oval Office event on Thursday, Trump was asked if he would consider withdrawing troops from bases in Spain and Italy over their unwillingness to get involved in his war on Iran. “Yeah, probably,” the president replied. “Why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”