Trump recommends expelling Spain from NATO: what is behind the scandalous statement of the US president

When the Alliance becomes a test of loyalty: US president attacks Spain for refusing to spend more on defense

The world press is in a frenzy: US President Donald Trump unexpectedly suggested that NATO allies consider expelling Spain from the Alliance for its reluctance to increase defense spending.¹ During a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubbs, Trump publicly criticized Spain, calling it a "backward" country, and appealed to European leaders with the idea of ​​"calling and finding out why they invest so little in their security."¹ This story is not only an explosive episode of diplomacy, but also a new test of NATO's unity and strength in an era of global upheaval.

Developments: new NATO requirements and Spain's sharp reaction

In June 2025, at the NATO summit, member states agreed to Trump's demand to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP: 3,5% of which would go to key defense programs, and another 1,5% to security investments.¹ Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has refused to implement these new standards, arguing that the "current level of 2,1%" meets the country's needs and maintains a balance with social policy.² According to NATO, Spain remains one of the Alliance's biggest outsiders, to which the US president reacted sharply.² .

Trump's public stance: hype diplomacy or real politics?

Donald Trump is known for his penchant for harsh ultimatums. According to him, “Spain thrives on NATO, but has no excuse for low spending.” The president has repeatedly insisted: “Maybe they should be kicked out of the Alliance, just so others don’t have so much fun saving on their own defense.”¹ . He is known for his similar statements regarding Germany, Canada, and Italy. Political observers compare this style to the pressure of total management: Trump translates diplomatic dialogue into a model of ultimatums.

Spain's arguments: not everything is so clear-cut

Spain joined NATO in 1982 and currently has one of the lowest military spending shares in the Alliance: less than 1,2% in 2023, currently targeting 2,1%² . Official Madrid explains this level by the structural features of the budget, the priority of social projects and its own approach to security. Sanchez: "Our current level of defense spending is an alignment between security requirements and the well-being of citizens"² .

International context: what does Spain's refusal mean?

Refusing to increase defense spending has become a principled position of the Spanish Prime Minister. Internationally, this gesture is perceived as a test of the Alliance's unity. EU leaders have called for restraint, and French President Macron said: "Internal disputes should not divide NATO at a time of greatest threats."¹ The US State Department responded moderately: "We believe in dialogue, not exclusion."

Defense spending in focus: big numbers and contrasts

NATO has maintained a defense spending target of at least 2% of GDP since its inception. According to the Alliance, only a few countries exceeded this level in 2024: the United States — more than 3,5%, Poland — 4%, the United Kingdom — 2,3%. In 2025, following Trump's call, most members pledged to gradually raise spending to the new target of 5% by 2035.³ Spain remains an opponent of this policy.

Expert criticism: what military analysts say

Military analysts emphasize: increasing defense spending is a chance to modernize armies, but not a panacea. Continuous budget growth does not guarantee qualitative changes if there is no reform strategy. Spain's experience in the fight against terrorism, participation in NATO missions, exercises and operations in the Mediterranean Sea confirms that the country is not a passive participant, but a strategic partner with unique expertise.

Trump and NATO: a conflict for the domestic consumer

Ukrainian, Polish and American analysts note: the loud statements of the US president are not only a foreign but also a domestic political game. Trump is preparing to strengthen the American role in defining the rules for the Alliance and is channeling the discontent of some voters who do not want to finance "foreign security"¹ These signals are part of the “America First” strategy, which is intensified with each new crisis.

Spain: defending its positions and the European mentality

Madrid's refusal to increase spending reflects the country's desire to maintain its own balance between military power and social security. Spain appeals to the fact that participation in international missions, funding for scientific developments and humanitarian programs contributes to the security of the Alliance not only in money² This argument resonates with the position of other socially oriented Alliance countries.

NATO after Trump's statements: threats and new challenges for the Alliance

Even if diplomatic tensions do not result in the formal exclusion of Spain, the trend is already evident: NATO is gradually transforming from a purely military alliance into a political club dominated by financial interests and demands for superiority.¹ Experts warn that such a policy could undermine the bloc's cohesion and open the way for internal conflicts from the Baltics to the Pyrenees.

Political implications and projections for the Alliance

The debate over defense spending is becoming an indicator of the Alliance's future. Will NATO be able to maintain a balance between US leadership and European autonomy after Trump's statements? The answer to this question will be key for the countries of Eastern Europe, where the issue of financial discipline and military support is not an abstraction, but a factor of national survival. The conflict around Spain shows: NATO is changing with the world.

Conclusions for Ukraine: Should Kyiv be concerned about the scandal?

For Ukraine, this scandal is not only an occasion for analysis, but also a signal: the Alliance community is undergoing another test of strength. The visibility of NATO unity is a guarantee of maintaining security guarantees for Kyiv during the period of Russian aggression. Ukrainian diplomats should closely monitor trends in the Alliance, where even scandalous statements by the US president can influence the logic of support.

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