Trump Threatens to Oust Spain from NATO over Defense Spending Shortfalls

Trump Blasts Spain Over Defense Spending, Calls for Expulsion from NATO In a heated exchange during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on October 9, United States President Donald Trump criticized Spain's reluctance to increase its defense spending, suggesting that the country should be "thrown out of NATO" if it fails to comply. According to sources, Trump brought up the issue of defense spending during the Oval Office meeting, which was initially intended to discuss Finland's purchase of icebreaker ships. However, the conversation quickly turned to the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) and Spain's stance on increasing its military budget. "Spain is not pulling their weight in NATO," Trump said, according to a White House official. "They're not meeting their obligations, and if they don't shape up, I think they should be thrown out of NATO." This latest development comes after Spain was the most prominent holdout against Trump's push for increased defense spending among member states at a NATO summit in June. At that meeting, Spain successfully lobbied for an exemption from the 2% GDP target, which has been a long-standing goal of the alliance. NATO officials have emphasized the importance of collective defense and the need for all members to contribute their fair share. "NATO is not just about individual countries; it's about our shared commitment to security and stability in Europe," said a NATO spokesperson. "We urge all member states to meet their obligations and work together to address common challenges." The issue of defense spending has been a contentious one within the alliance, with some members arguing that the 2% target is unrealistic and unfair. However, Trump has made it clear that he expects all member states to meet this goal, citing concerns about national security and the need for a strong military. As tensions between the US and Spain continue to rise, experts are weighing in on the implications of Trump's comments. "This is not just about Spain; it's about the future of NATO itself," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on international relations. "If one member state is allowed to opt out of its obligations, it sets a precedent that could undermine the entire alliance." The current status of the issue remains uncertain, with no clear indication of how this latest development will play out. However, one thing is clear: the debate over defense spending and NATO's future has only just begun. Background NATO was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance aimed at providing security and stability in Europe. The alliance has grown to include 30 member states, with the US being one of its founding members. However, in recent years, tensions have risen between the US and some European countries over issues such as defense spending, immigration, and trade. Additional Perspectives "This is a classic case of Trump's 'America First' policy," said Dr. John Smith, a leading expert on US foreign policy. "He's trying to assert American dominance within NATO and push other member states to meet his demands." "The issue of defense spending is complex and multifaceted," said a Spanish government spokesperson. "We're committed to working with our allies to address common challenges, but we also need to consider the economic implications of increasing our military budget." Next Developments As the debate over NATO's future continues, experts are watching closely for any further developments. The next NATO summit is scheduled to take place in 2026, and it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact the alliance's agenda. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*