Spain rebukes Trump’s NATO expulsion threat over defense spending
3 Min Read
Spain pushes back after Donald Trump suggests its expulsion from NATO under the claim of low defense spending.
-
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference after the plenary session at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP)
Spain has reaffirmed its commitment to NATO following controversial comments by United States President Donald Trump, who suggested the country should be expelled from the alliance over its low defense spending levels.
During a press conference on Thursday, Trump criticized Madrid for lagging behind other member states in military contributions. “They have no excuse not to do this, but that’s all right. Maybe you should throw them out of NATO, frankly,” he told reporters.
On Friday, Spain's Defense Minister Margarita Robles firmly rejected the notion, stating that Trump needs to understand “that Spain is one of NATO’s most serious and reliable allies.”
Robles highlighted Spain’s military contributions, including 3,000 troops on NATO’s eastern flank, air force deployments in Lithuania, and maritime operations.
Read more: Hind Rajab Foundation appeals Spain's dismissal of Gaza war crime case
Defense spending dispute between US, Spain
At the core of the dispute is NATO defense spending. The 32-member alliance agreed in June to increase defense expenditures to 5% of GDP over the next decade, largely under US pressure. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain would limit its commitment to 2.1%.
Spain has historically been NATO’s lowest spender, with its defense outlay reaching only 1.43% of GDP last year. That figure is expected to rise to 2% by the end of this year, according to NATO estimates.
Despite criticism, Sanchez reiterated in June that Spain would commit to “2.1%, no more and no less,” arguing that the figure aligns with NATO’s capability goals. Madrid later asserted that it had obtained flexibility on this target from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Trump’s expulsion comment sparks political tension in Madrid
Trump’s remarks have not only stirred international attention but also sparked political debate within Spain. The conservative opposition has seized the opportunity to criticize Sanchez’s defense policy.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition, said, “Spain isn’t the problem. The problem is Sánchez. Our nation should not have to pay for his frivolity and irresponsibility. Spain is a credible, proud and committed partner of NATO. And we will continue to be so.”
Read more: Spain axes €700 mln arms deals with 'Israel' over Gaza genocide
NATO membership debate grows ahead of spending deadlines
The renewed debate over NATO membership and defense obligations comes as European nations face increasing pressure from the United States to raise military spending. Spain’s insistence on a flexible interpretation of its 2.1% commitment could set a precedent for other member states wary of the 5% target.
While tensions have risen, Spain has shown no indication of wavering in its role within NATO. Officials continue to emphasize the country’s strategic contributions and ongoing deployments, reaffirming that Spain remains a committed NATO ally despite disagreements over spending thresholds.
