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What Sparked Trump's New Clash With Spain At NATO

Trump said Spain has failed to contribute enough to NATO and singled it out as the only alliance member that has not committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
President Donald Trump (Pic via X)

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain during the NATO summit in Ankara, calling it a poor alliance partner and urging a complete halt to U.S. trade and travel with the country over its defense spending.

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Trump said Spain has failed to contribute enough to NATO and singled it out as the only alliance member that has not committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035. According to the report, Spain spent 2.1% of GDP on defense in 2025, up from 1.4% in 2021, but remains below the alliance's target.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Spain had increased military spending but said outstanding issues remain.

Reuters reported that Spain's Prime Minister's Office downplayed Trump's remarks, describing bilateral trade and defense ties as mutually beneficial.

Markets reacted negatively. Spanish bonds weakened, the IBEX 35 index fell, and broader European stocks declined as investors also weighed Trump's declaration that the Iran ceasefire was effectively over.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff

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