U. S. President Donald Trump suggested that NATO should consider expelling Spain over its low military spending. In June, NATO members agreed to increase their military spending to 5% of GDP, a goal Trump supports.
However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected this target, stating it conflicts with Spain’s welfare state. During a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump urged European leaders to address Spain’s military commitments, stating, “You have to call them and find out why they are a laggard,” and suggested potentially removing Spain from NATO.
Spain’s government responded by reaffirming its commitment to NATO and insisting it meets alliance capability targets. Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that the U. S. is aware of Spain’s commitments and noted that Spain has fulfilled its promises since joining NATO in 1982, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
