President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Spain on Thursday, suggesting that the country might face expulsion from NATO unless it significantly increases its defense expenditures. "Perhaps you should expel Spain from NATO," Trump remarked during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the White House.
Trump emphasized that during the NATO summit held in The Hague in June, all 32 member countries agreed to raise their military spending from 2% to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "We had one laggard: Spain. They have no excuse for not doing it," the U.S. president stated.
During the conference, Trump urged President Stubb to directly communicate with the Spanish government to apply pressure, following his threat in June to increase tariffs on the European nation if it failed to boost its military budget. "I think you will need to start talking to Spain," he noted, underlining the importance of all members meeting the new defense investment threshold.
Spain was one of the countries expressing reservations during the summit, which nearly derailed the consensus. President Pedro Sánchez managed to include a nuance in the final communiqué that allows for a flexible interpretation of the 5% target, conditional on meeting certain military capability objectives set by the Alliance.
Currently, Spain's defense spending has reached 2% of its GDP, equating to around 30 billion euros. However, international pressure calls for an even greater increase, which could spark internal tensions within the country amid the drafting of the General State Budgets for 2026, according to reports from El País.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, responded to Trump's statements via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter): "The problem is not Spain. Spain is a credible, proud, and committed NATO partner. And we will continue to be so." Feijóo also criticized the Spanish Prime Minister, stating, "Sánchez is not to be trusted, but that should not drag the country down. Spain will not leave NATO. Sánchez will leave La Moncloa."
The incident comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in Europe. Recently, drones of Russian origin have breached the airspace of Poland and Sweden, an act EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described as hybrid warfare.
Trump used the opportunity to reiterate the necessity of strengthening European defense. "We will have four times more American material in Europe," added Stubb, who sought to ease the impact of Trump's statements by affirming that efforts will continue under the leadership of NATO's new Secretary General, Mark Rutte.
FAQs on NATO and Spain's Defense Spending
Why is Trump threatening Spain with expulsion from NATO?
Trump is pressuring Spain to increase its defense spending, as agreed by NATO members, from 2% to 5% of GDP. He suggested expulsion if Spain does not comply.
What was decided at the NATO summit in The Hague?
At the summit, NATO members agreed to elevate military spending from 2% to 5% of GDP to strengthen defense capabilities.
How has Spain responded to Trump's comments?
Spain's People's Party leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, defended the country's commitment to NATO and criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, asserting Spain will remain a NATO partner.