Overview

• Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he is considering “trade punishment” through tariffs because Spain did not align with the 5% defense target.
• Trump called Spain’s stance “unbelievably disrespectful” and asserted it was the only NATO member that did not raise its number to 5%.
• He has recently suggested Spain could be expelled from NATO, a step experts note lacks a clear mechanism under alliance rules, according to reporting on his remarks to Finland’s president.
• Spain spent about 1.3% of GDP on defense in 2024 and has pledged to reach roughly 2% by the end of 2025, after securing a carve‑out from the 5% goal that other allies are working toward through 2035.
• Spanish officials defended their contribution, pointing to approximately 3,000 troops deployed on NATO missions and describing Spain as a reliable member of the alliance.