Trump threatens to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain – Europe live | World news
Morning opening: Trump threatens Italy and Spain to withdraw US troops
Yakup Krupa
Italy and Spain have joined a growing list of countries from which US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops as part of a broader review of the US military presence in Europe.
Answering a journalist’s question Trump said he would “probably” consider such a move. He links this to the two countries’ criticism of the US campaign in Iran.
“Look, why wouldn’t I? Italy was of no use to us, and Spain was terrible. “Absolutely terrible.”
While both countries have been vocal critics of Trump’s war in the Middle East, the US president has repeatedly targeted leaders who refuse to join the conflict.
Italian Giorgia Meloni, previously a close ally, fell out with the US president Trump for Rome’s reluctance to join the conflict (he said Rome “didn’t have the courage”), as well as his criticism of Trump’s “unacceptable” comments about Pope Leo.
It also refused to allow US military planes carrying weapons for the war in Iran to use an air base in Sicily because the US did not follow the required authorization procedure.
Meanwhile, Spaniard Pedro Sánchez was the European most critical of the war from the very beginning. He has repeatedly faced all kinds of angry reactions and threats from Trump, including a trade embargo or the suspension of NATO membership (which, in fact, is not even a trivial thing).
They know how to join Germany Friedrich Merz Trump has been the main target of Trump’s frustration in recent days, having come under harsh criticism for his domestic record on energy and immigration and his involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Iran.
Who’s next in the Trump lottery? Join us this Friday to see for yourself.
Let’s see if we get a reaction from Rome or Madrid. or perhaps some other countries that have previously stood steadfastly behind their allies in the face of Trump’s threat.
Elsewhere, I will report on the latest developments regarding the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which is provisionally valid today, and the marches and demonstrations across Europe on 1 May.
His Friday, May 1, 2026his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
important events
EU marks 22nd anniversary of ‘big bang’ eastward expansion
Today we also celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the “big bang” eastward expansion of the European Union, with 10 countries joining the bloc: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.
At the time, the Guardian reported: “Leaders of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Europe embrace with ceremonies and parties along their shared and once thorny border“It marks the beginning of a new era.”
Guardian writers Ian Black And Patrick Wintour he said at the time:
“Today will provide It’s one of those moments when Europe looks like a glacier moving slowly but with tremendous force for a long time, then suddenly changes direction and the landscape is changed forever.”
Many EU leaders from these countries are celebrating the anniversary today, including the Polish Prime Minister. Donald Tuskand the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.
“We knew then it was a good decision. 22 years of pride!,Tusk said: publishing video clips Scenes from 2004 are shown.
czech republic paul in question:
“Twenty-two years ago, we strengthened our security and stability by joining the European Union. The world has changed significantly since then and the importance of cooperation with European partners is increasing. The union is not perfect, but we can only stand together in difficult times.”
Lithuanian prime minister Inga Ruginiene in question:
“Today we celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Lithuania’s EU membership, built on unity and common values. In times of war and rising tensions right next to the EU borders, our unity is our strength. We must stand firm: supporting Ukraine, strengthening defense and countering hybrid threats. “A stronger Europe depends on all of us.”
And Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs He also attended the celebrations and said:
“22 years ago [Latvia] joined [the EU]. The European dream is very much alive. We must resist Russian aggression and support Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans towards EU membership“We will keep democracy and the rule of law at the center of our unity.”
International Workers’ Day marches continue
It’s a pretty slow news day today, as is half of Europe to enjoy them long weekend to celebrate International Workers’ Day.
So let us show you the first photos of the May 1 marches that took place in many European countries – often organized by unions and demanding better wages or working conditions.
Expect to see more of these throughout the day.
There has been no public response from Spain so far.
So far, There was no public reaction from the Spanish government.
However It’s not the first time they’ve faced similar threats from Trump.
Last week, Reuters published an internal Pentagon memo suggesting that the United States is considering removing Spain from NATO. It’s not entirely clear how this is expected to happen; because there is no obvious procedure to follow, which would allow the United States to make this decision without other allies.
There are 3,200 US troops in Spain, primarily at the Rota naval base and Moron airbase.
Please don’t make jokes about the names.
Italian defense minister surprised by Trump’s words: ‘I don’t understand his reasons’
Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto rejected accusations that Rome was not helping the United States with maritime security, especially in the Strait of Hormuz.
“I don’t understand the reasons” he said ANSA news agency.
Referring to Trump’s accusations that Europeans had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, He said that this was not true and that “we are also prepared for the mission of protecting shipping.”
“This was greatly appreciated by the American military,” he added.
La Repubblica noted HE There are seven US bases in Italy, With up to 15,000 troops, it provides Italy, for example, with air defense systems that would take a decade to replace.
Morning opening: Trump threatens Italy and Spain to withdraw US troops
Yakup Krupa
Italy and Spain have joined a growing list of countries from which US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops as part of a broader review of the US military presence in Europe.
Answering a journalist’s question Trump said he would “probably” consider such a move. He links this to the two countries’ criticism of the US campaign in Iran.
“Look, why wouldn’t I? Italy was of no use to us, and Spain was terrible. “Absolutely terrible.”
While both countries have been vocal critics of Trump’s war in the Middle East, the US president has repeatedly targeted leaders who refuse to join the conflict.
Italian Giorgia Meloni, previously a close ally, fell out with the US president Trump for Rome’s reluctance to join the conflict (he said Rome “didn’t have the courage”), as well as his criticism of Trump’s “unacceptable” comments about Pope Leo.
It also refused to allow US military planes carrying weapons for the war in Iran to use an air base in Sicily because the US did not follow the required authorization procedure.
Meanwhile, Spaniard Pedro Sánchez was the European most critical of the war from the very beginning. He has repeatedly faced all kinds of angry reactions and threats from Trump, including a trade embargo or the suspension of NATO membership (which, in fact, is not even a trivial thing).
They know how to join Germany Friedrich Merz Trump has been the main target of Trump’s frustration in recent days, having come under harsh criticism for his domestic record on energy and immigration and his involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Iran.
Who’s next in the Trump lottery? Join us this Friday to see for yourself.
Let’s see if we get a reaction from Rome or Madrid. or perhaps some other countries that have previously stood steadfastly behind their allies in the face of Trump’s threat.
Elsewhere, I will report on the latest developments regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which provisionally entered into force today, and the marches and demonstrations across Europe on 1 May.
His Friday, May 1, 2026his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
