Rubio to visit Italy, Vatican amid troop drawdown call, tension with Trump, Pope Leo: reports
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Italy and the Vatican amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump, Pope Leo, and Italian leaders. The trip aims to stabilize diplomatic relations as Trump considers reducing U.S. troop presence in Italy following criticism of European allies' support. Nearly 13,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Italy, while 5,000 troops are being withdrawn from Germany.
- ▪Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet with Vatican officials and Italian ministers during his upcoming trip.
- ▪President Donald Trump has questioned the value of U.S. alliances in Europe and suggested a troop drawdown in Italy.
- ▪Approximately 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed across six bases in Italy.
- ▪The Pentagon recently announced a withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany.
- ▪Trump criticized Italy and Spain for not supporting U.S. efforts despite using strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
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Pope Leo XIV Rubio to visit Italy, Vatican amid troop drawdown call, tension with Trump, Pope Leo: reports Nearly 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed across six bases in Italy as Trump questions the alliance's value By Eric Mack Fox News Published May 3, 2026 7:54am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Trump calls CNN coverage of war in Iran ‘disrespectful to our military’ President Donald Trump criticizes the media’s coverage of U.S. military operations in Iran while speaking to reporters from the Oval Office.
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