U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Spain with trade sanctions, including tariffs, after Madrid refused to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling the move a “lack of respect” toward NATO.
“I am very unhappy with Spain. It’s the only country that didn’t raise its number to 5% … so I’m not pleased with Spain,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
He added, “I was thinking of giving them trade penalties through tariffs because of what they did — and I think I can do that.”
Rising Tensions Within NATO
Trump has repeatedly pressured NATO members to spend more on defense and has raised doubts about Washington’s commitment to protect allies who, in his view, fail to meet financial obligations.
Last week, during a meeting with the President of Finland, Trump said that NATO should consider expelling Spain from the alliance over its refusal to comply with the new 5% defense spending plan.
Background: Spain’s Position
Citing the growing threat from Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO members have argued that the previous spending target of 2% of GDP is no longer sufficient.
However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez secured a last-minute exemption, pledging to raise Spain’s defense spending only to 2.1% of GDP, calling it “adequate and realistic.”
Spain, which joined NATO in 1982, has defended its lower spending by highlighting its strong troop contributions to alliance missions — including deployments in Latvia, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
What Comes Next
Trump’s latest remarks signal a potential escalation in U.S.-Spain relations, as economic measures could directly impact bilateral trade between the two NATO members.
Analysts warn that such a move could strain NATO unity at a time when collective defense and deterrence against Russia remain top priorities.
