Trump Suggests NATO Expel Spain Over Defense Spending

Published OCT 10

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Above: U.S. President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 9, 2025. Image copyright: Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Spain stands alone in refusing NATO's reasonable defense commitments while every other ally stepped up to meet their obligations. Sanchez's radical government undermines collective security when threats are rising, choosing ideologically driven spending over the very real threats facing the world. Spain enjoys NATO protection while freeloading off other nations' sacrifices — making expulsion a more realistic prospect than Sánchez may believe.

The Heritage Foundation X

Establishment-critical narrative

Spain's refusal to bow to Trump's outrageous 5% defense spending demand shows real leadership in protecting working families and facing up to the military-industrial complex. Sanchez correctly recognizes that this arbitrary target would gut schools and hospitals while enriching American weapons manufacturers. The demand represents nothing more than bullying from a crumbling empire desperate to maintain its military dominance.

Jacobin X