The 32-member NATO alliance, a cornerstone of Western security since its establishment in 1949, has been under increasing pressure to bolster its collective defense capabilities, particularly in light of heightened global tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At a summit in The Hague in June 2025, NATO members agreed to a significant U.S.-driven initiative to ramp up military spending to 5% of each nation's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. This ambitious target was seen as a response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, with the aim of ensuring the alliance's readiness to counter emerging threats.
However, Spain, under the leadership of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, stood out as the only NATO member to openly reject the 5% spending goal. Sanchez argued that such a high level of defense expenditure was "incompatible with our welfare state and our world vision." Instead, Spain committed to allocating 2.1% of its GDP to defense, asserting that this level was sufficient to meet its obligations and capacity targets within the alliance. This decision has placed Spain at odds with the United States, which has long advocated for NATO members to increase their defense budgets to share the burden of collective security more equitably.
During his meeting with President Stubb, Trump did not mince words, labeling Spain as the "one laggard" among NATO members with respect to the new spending target. He went further, suggesting that the alliance should consider drastic measures against Spain for its reluctance to align with the agreed-upon goal. "You have to call them and find why are they a laggard," Trump remarked, before adding, "Maybe you should throw 'em out of NATO frankly." The statement reflects Trump's long-standing frustration with NATO allies he perceives as undercontributing to the alliance's defense efforts, a theme that has been a hallmark of his foreign policy rhetoric.
Spain, which has been a NATO member since 1982, has faced scrutiny in recent years as the alliance's priorities have shifted in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The 2022 invasion underscored the importance of NATO's collective defense commitments, prompting member states to reassess their military capabilities and spending. Spain's decision to cap its defense spending at 2.1% of GDP has been a point of contention, particularly as other allies have moved to meet or exceed the alliance's earlier benchmark of 2% of GDP, established in 2014.
In response to Trump's remarks, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles issued a robust defense of her country's role within NATO. Speaking on Friday, October 10, 2025, Robles emphasized Spain's unwavering commitment to the alliance, stating, "Spain is a full member of NATO and delivers on its pledges." She also pointed out that the U.S. Armed Forces are "well aware of Spain's commitment," suggesting that Spain's contributions to NATO operations and its strategic importance within the alliance are recognized by key partners, including the United States. Robles' comments were likely aimed at defusing tensions and reaffirming Spain's dedication to collective security, despite the disagreement over spending targets.
The suggestion to remove Spain from NATO is highly unusual and raises complex questions about the alliance's cohesion and decision-making processes. Expelling a member state would require consensus among all NATO members, a scenario that seems unlikely given the alliance's emphasis on unity and solidarity. Spain's strategic position in the Mediterranean, its contributions to NATO missions, and its hosting of U.S. military bases, such as the naval station at Rota, make it a valuable member of the alliance, despite the current dispute over spending.
Trump's remarks also highlight the broader challenges facing NATO as it navigates differing national priorities and economic constraints among its members. While the United States has consistently pushed for higher defense spending, some European allies, including Spain, have argued for a balanced approach that takes into account domestic needs, such as social welfare programs. Spain's welfare state, which includes robust healthcare and education systems, is a key pillar of its national identity, and Sanchez's government has prioritized maintaining these programs even as it faces pressure to increase defense spending.
The ongoing feud between Washington and Madrid underscores the delicate balance NATO must strike to maintain unity while addressing disparities in member contributions. The 5% GDP target, while ambitious, has sparked debate about its feasibility and the potential strain it could place on national budgets, particularly for countries with smaller economies or competing domestic priorities. Spain's stance reflects a broader tension within the alliance between those who advocate for a more militarized approach to security and those who emphasize diplomacy and economic stability as critical components of global influence.
As NATO continues to adapt to a rapidly changing security environment, the dispute with Spain could have broader implications for the alliance's cohesion. Trump's comments, while provocative, are unlikely to lead to Spain's expulsion from NATO, given the alliance's consensus-driven decision-making process and the strategic importance of maintaining a united front. However, they may prompt further discussions about how NATO can accommodate differing national priorities while ensuring that all members contribute equitably to collective defense.
For now, Spain remains steadfast in its commitment to NATO, even as it resists pressure to align with the 5% spending target. The coming months will likely see continued dialogue between Madrid and its allies, as they work to bridge the gap between competing visions for the alliance's future. Whether this dispute will lead to a broader reassessment of NATO's spending goals or a reaffirmation of its current trajectory remains to be seen, but it is clear that the alliance faces a critical moment in its efforts to maintain unity and strength in an increasingly uncertain world.
