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11h ago

Trump Floats Expelling Spain From NATO Over 5% Defense Goal

NATO has no mechanism to expel members, undercutting any immediate prospect of removal.

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US President Donald Trump, left, and Alexander Stubb, Finland's president, outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Stubb says Finland expects to deliver the first icebreaker to the US by 2028 as part of the countries' deal. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump suggested Spain "perhaps should be expelled" from NATO during an Oval Office appearance with Finland’s Alexander Stubb on October 9, citing Madrid’s refusal to adopt a 5% of GDP defense-spending ambition.
  • The 5% figure stems from a June political aim for 2035 rather than a binding treaty change, and Spain negotiated flexibility with Secretary General Mark Rutte after rejecting the higher target.
  • Spain’s government responded with "maximum tranquility," asserting it is a loyal, full NATO member that meets capability goals and pointing to ongoing deployments and contributions.
  • The North Atlantic Treaty contains no expulsion clause and provides only for voluntary withdrawal after notice under Article 13, making forced removal procedurally unavailable.
  • At home, opposition leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Santiago Abascal blamed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, while the government highlighted plans to reach roughly 2–2.1% of GDP on defense, with NATO reporting Spain at about 2% this year.