Donald Trump has sparked controversy in his second term by questioning Spain’s commitment to NATO and mistakenly associating it with the BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies.
In a statement that has raised eyebrows, Trump claimed Spain’s contribution to the NATO alliance is “very low,” igniting a diplomatic response from Spain.
Trump’s NATO remarks
On his first day in office, Trump addressed the issue of NATO allies’ defense spending, raising concerns about countries that contribute the least. In a press briefing at the White House, he rhetorically asked, “What can we expect from NATO countries that spend the least amount of money?” His sharp critique singled out Spain. He described the country as a member contributing insufficiently to the alliance’s collective defense budget.
This remark fits into Trump’s long-standing criticism of NATO allies, urging them to meet higher defense spending targets. While NATO established a target of 2% of GDP for defense expenditure by 2024, Trump believes this is still inadequate and has called for an ambitious 4% contribution from member states.
Spanish response to Trump’s claims
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, swiftly addressed Trump’s comments, defending Spain’s commitment to the alliance. In an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Albares pointed out that Spain had committed to reaching 2% of GDP in defense spending by 2029, aligning with NATO’s objectives. He emphasised that ten NATO countries have yet to meet the 2% target.
Albares was also quick to clarify that Spain is not part of the BRICS group, contrary to Trump’s erroneous reference. This misstep by the US president sparked further confusion. Spain has never been associated with the BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Implications for US-Spain relations
While tensions over defense spending are not new, Trump’s remarks have added a layer of complexity to US-Spain relations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently expressed his desire to strengthen strategic ties with the United States under the new administration. Hereby, he aims to focus on common global challenges. However, Trump’s comments suggest that Spain may face continued scrutiny over its defense commitments. This is adding a diplomatic challenge to the broader US-European relationship.
Trump and Spain under Pedro Sánchez
As Donald Trump took office on Monday as the 47th President of the United States, Spain faces a complex and nuanced relationship with the US. His re-election raises concerns about Spain’s diplomatic position within the EU, particularly in light of its more left-leaning policies. Tensions with US allies like Morocco, Israel, and Argentina, coupled with Spain’s handling of the Palestinian issue, present additional challenges for Sánchez’s government.
Despite ideological differences between Trump and Spain’s socialist government under Pedro Sánchez, there are pragmatic reasons for cooperation, particularly in Latin America. Spain is keenly monitoring the impact of Trump’s policies in regions such as Cuba and Venezuela, which are critical for Spanish business interests. The appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and his stance on Cuba signals a shift in US priorities that could affect Spanish companies like Meliá and Repsol operating in these countries.
In terms of defense, the US-Spain relationship remains strong, with American troops stationed at Spain’s Rota base and potential arms deals on the horizon. However, Trump’s pressure on Spain to increase its defense budget may strain Spain’s finances.
While Sánchez has not made efforts to reconcile with Trump, his government faces challenges from Trump’s trade policies, particularly regarding tariffs on Spanish exports such as olives and wine. This could further complicate Spain’s economic ties with the US, despite the country’s lower reliance on the American market compared to Germany.