The Pentagon is evaluating options to withdraw at least 25,000 U.S. troops from Europe, along with aircraft, ships, and other military assets, according to multiple reports citing current and former officials.

The potential drawdown could reach as high as 40,000 personnel in some scenarios, reducing the current U.S. presence of roughly 80,000 troops by nearly one-third or more. Germany, Italy, and Spain, which host large American contingents, would likely see the biggest impacts, though some forces might shift to NATO's eastern flank closer to Russia.

NBC News first reported the deliberations Thursday, drawing on seven current and former U.S. and Western officials. No final decisions have been made, and the options remain under review as part of a six-month Pentagon assessment launched in June.

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is scheduled to deliver an initial assessment to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. A final recommendation is due to Hegseth by November 6 before any proposal advances to President Trump.

The review aligns with the Trump administration's emphasis on European allies taking primary responsibility for conventional defense in Europe. Hegseth has described the objective as building a NATO where "Europe [is] in the lead for its own defense."

This potential adjustment follows earlier force posture changes in 2026, including the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany. Officials stress that any reductions would occur only after the full review process concludes.

Allied governments and some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about impacts on deterrence against Russia, but the administration maintains the changes support a more sustainable U.S. global posture.