Else Beekman
US President Donald Trump has once again raised eyebrows, this time by openly questioning Spain’s place in NATO. Speaking at a press event in Washington, he said Spain might have to leave the alliance if it doesn’t step up its defence spending.
Standing beside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump expressed frustration about Spain’s financial contribution to NATO. “I said 5%, not 2%,” he stated. “Almost everyone agreed. Spain didn’t. Maybe they don’t belong.”
According to Trump Spain has no real reason not to raise its defence budget, pointing to Spain’s economy that is performing well. “Let’s be honest, a lot of their success is because of the things we’ve done. They should do their part.”
His remarks came shortly after NATO confirmed that Spain would finally meet the 2% target this year, a goal set more than a decade ago. But Trump now wants member states to aim for a much higher bar.
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Madrid not rattled
The Spanish government didn’t show much concern in response. People close to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain remains a loyal and fully engaged NATO member. “There’s no reason to doubt our commitment,” one official noted.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo used the moment to criticise Sánchez’s leadership. “He’s not someone you can count on,” Feijóo said. Still, he was quick to add that Spain itself is a reliable ally that takes its role in the alliance seriously.
Big step in defence funding
Earlier this year, Spain pledged an extra €10.5 billion for its military budget, the largest one-time boost in its modern history. Thanks to that investment, the country is expected to hit the 2% defence spending target by 2025, well ahead of its original timeline.
Spain also contributes in other ways. Around 3,000 Spanish troops are currently deployed in NATO operations, particularly on the alliance’s eastern border. The country has also increased efforts in areas like cybersecurity and natural disaster response.
5% not set in stone, yet
During a NATO summit in The Hague last June, Spain was hesitant about the proposed jump to 5% of GDP. While most other countries supported it, negotiators eventually agreed that nations could move at their own pace. That flexibility made it possible for all members, including Spain, to sign the final statement.
Whether Trump seriously intends to push for Spain’s removal is unclear. His comments could be part of his usual pressure tactics, the kind that get headlines and force conversations. Still, with NATO facing real challenges, such talk adds to the unease.
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