President Trump slammed Spain for refusing to meet NATO’s new 5% defense spending target, stating: “They’re the only country that won’t pay up, they want to stay at 2%. I think it’s terrible. And you know, they’re doing very well, the economy.”
Trump said Spain’s refusal to meet NATO’s defense target has led the U.S. to negotiate a trade deal forcing them to “pay twice as much.” He added, “They want a little bit of a free ride, but they have to pay it back to us on trade, because I’m not going to let that happen. It’s unfair.”
President Trump said he plans to negotiate directly with Spain to encourage them to meet NATO’s 2% defense spending goal. Spain, already struggling to meet the 2% target, has become a key obstacle, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez demanding a carveout during last-minute talks. The push comes amid growing pressure on NATO allies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Spain is threatening NATO unity that has lasted since 1949,” one European official told Fox News Digital. “This isn’t some a la carte menu to pick and choose from. Spain is always asking for solidarity and assistance — 2008 financial crisis, COVID — and has received it.”
NOW: Trump threatens to double Spain’s trade deal after their socialist PM refuses to increase NATO defense spending.
BOOM.
This is how Trump plays the game: You don’t want to pay your fair share?
Fine. We’ll get the money another way.
A Spanish reporter asked if Trump was… pic.twitter.com/AIhjSBgCyW
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) June 25, 2025
U.S. officials quietly pressured Spain to meet NATO defense targets and urged European allies to do the same, hoping to avoid direct escalation with Trump. NATO leaders ultimately agreed to a 10-year plan to increase spending to 3.5% on core defense and 1.5% on related areas, such as cyber and intelligence. While Slovakia also voiced concerns, it did not block the deal.
Spain is a friend of the United States. That was the message of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez after the country’s refusal to meet a NATO defence spending target of 5% of gross domestic product led to Donald Trump’s threat that the U.S. will make Spain pay twice as much for a… pic.twitter.com/Y14ZurLjMz
— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) June 26, 2025
During the NATO summit, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Europe for caving in to Trump’s defense spending demands while facing U.S. tariff threats, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded that allies are united in recognizing the need to step up to stay secure.
