Trump Suggests Removing Spain From NATO Over Spending/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump hinted at expelling Spain from NATO due to its low defense spending. Spain has resisted a 5% GDP defense target set by the alliance. Despite criticism, Spanish officials reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and its obligations.
Spain NATO Tensions Quick Looks
- Trump criticizes Spain’s defense spending during Oval Office remarks
- Spain rejected 5% GDP defense target set by NATO in June
- Pedro Sanchez called the target incompatible with Spain’s welfare model
- Trump urged other NATO members to pressure Spain
- Spain reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance despite criticism
- Defense Minister Margarita Robles defended Spain’s contributions
- Spain joined NATO in 1982 and remains an active member
- Russia’s war in Ukraine has intensified NATO’s collective defense efforts
- Spain claims it meets capability targets agreed within the alliance
Deep Look: Trump Hints at Spain’s NATO Expulsion Over Defense Spending
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump reignited transatlantic tensions Friday after floating the idea of removing Spain from the NATO alliance due to its resistance to higher defense spending. The comments, made during a meeting at the White House with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, sparked immediate backlash from Spanish officials and renewed debates over burden-sharing among NATO allies.
Trump’s remarks were prompted by Spain’s refusal to adhere to a recently agreed-upon target among NATO members: increasing military expenditures to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). The policy shift, announced in June 2025, was seen as a significant step toward Trump’s long-standing demand for Europe to shoulder more of its defense obligations.
Despite broad agreement among NATO members, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected the 5% goal, citing it as “incompatible with our welfare state and our world vision.” His remarks highlighted the growing divide between countries prioritizing social programs and those pushing for increased defense budgets amid global instability.
Trump, never shy about criticizing NATO partners over military budgets, urged other European leaders to “start speaking to Spain” and question their reluctance. “You have to call them and find why they are a laggard,” Trump said. He further escalated his tone by suggesting Spain could be ousted: “They have no excuse not to do this… Maybe you should throw ’em out of NATO, frankly.”
The controversial statement followed a string of public disputes between the U.S. and its NATO partners during Trump’s presidency and post-presidency commentary. His previous criticisms of Germany, France, and Canada over military contributions have stoked fears that U.S. commitment to NATO could falter under his leadership.
Despite Trump’s remarks, Spain reaffirmed its full commitment to NATO. A government spokesperson stressed that Spain remains a “full member” of the alliance and that it fulfills its capability-based obligations, much like the United States.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles responded firmly on Friday, emphasizing that Spain meets its pledges to the alliance and maintains close coordination with U.S. forces. “These statements were made in a specific context, but I know for a fact that the U.S. Armed Forces are well aware of Spain’s commitment,” Robles said.
Spain’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which began in 1982, has generally been stable and cooperative. However, the current situation exposes friction within the 32-member alliance, especially as it tries to reinforce unity in the face of escalating global threats.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO has adopted a stronger posture in Europe, with increased troop deployments, defense drills, and strategic planning. Spain has taken part in several multinational exercises, including Exercise Dynamic Mariner 25, which featured naval forces from various NATO countries and underscored Spain’s operational integration within the alliance.
Nonetheless, the U.S.-Spain dispute over defense budgets has broader implications. Trump’s comments risk undermining NATO cohesion at a time when the alliance seeks to present a united front against geopolitical adversaries, especially in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts warn that Trump’s confrontational rhetoric could embolden adversaries and strain relationships within the alliance. While expelling a member from NATO is extremely unlikely and would require consensus among all members, the public suggestion of such a move is unprecedented and politically destabilizing.
The 5% GDP defense target—more than double the traditional NATO threshold of 2%—is already controversial. While some Eastern European countries have accelerated spending due to their proximity to Russia, many Western European governments face domestic opposition to slashing social programs in favor of military budgets.
As of now, no formal action has been taken against Spain, and the country continues to participate in alliance operations and diplomatic activities. However, Trump’s statements will likely remain a point of contention heading into upcoming NATO summits and could factor into future U.S. foreign policy debates.
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