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13h ago

Trump Suggests Expelling Spain From NATO Over Defense Spending

The remark reprises a dispute over a new 5% of GDP military‑spending goal that Spain rejects as incompatible with its welfare priorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Overview

  • Trump made the comment in the Oval Office during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
  • No NATO expulsion process has been triggered, and Spain remains a member of the alliance with no precedent for removing a country.
  • NATO leaders agreed in June to pursue defense outlays of 5% of GDP, a benchmark Trump championed to increase European burden‑sharing.
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has refused to commit to the 5% target, calling it incompatible with Spain’s social model.
  • Trump has previously threatened economic penalties against Spain over defense spending and, in contrast, pledged to defend Finland as a NATO ally.