Spain has said that US President Donald Trump softened his language toward Madrid after being informed about Spain’s increased contributions to NATO, following a sharp dispute over defence spending and trade.
The disagreement became public during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump criticised Spain’s approach to defence spending. He described Spain as a “terrible partner” and threatened to halt trade with the European country, according to Reuters.
Spain’s government later said Trump changed his tone after learning more about Madrid’s contribution to NATO operations and its increased role in the military alliance. The issue has created political tension between two long-time allies and raised questions about how NATO members should share defence responsibilities.
Spain is a member of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which includes the United States, Canada and many European countries. NATO was created after World War II to provide collective security. Under its central principle, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members.
In recent years, NATO members have faced pressure to increase defence spending because of the war in Ukraine, tensions with Russia, cyber threats and instability in the Middle East.
The alliance has encouraged member countries to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defence. Some NATO leaders have pushed for even higher spending targets, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Spain has been among the countries that have faced criticism for spending less on defence than some other NATO members. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has argued that his government supports NATO but must also balance defence spending with healthcare, education, public services and economic needs.
The latest dispute shows how defence spending has become a major political issue inside the alliance.
Trump’s threat to halt trade with Spain created immediate concern because the United States and Spain have important economic ties. Spain exports products such as olive oil, wine, machinery, medicines, vehicles and industrial goods to the United States.
A full trade embargo would be difficult to implement because Spain is also part of the European Union. EU trade policy is managed at a wider European level, meaning any major US action against Spain could create broader tension with the entire European Union.
Reuters reported that US officials were considering possible restrictions on selected Spanish products rather than an immediate full trade ban. Legal experts said a president could potentially use emergency economic powers to impose restrictions, but such action could face legal and political challenges.
Spain’s government said it has increased its contribution to NATO in recent years. Spanish forces are involved in NATO missions, including deployments in Eastern Europe and maritime security operations.
Spain has also contributed troops, aircraft, naval vessels and training support to alliance missions. The country’s military has taken part in operations connected to regional security, counterterrorism and the protection of NATO’s eastern border.
Madrid argues that NATO contributions should not be measured only by the percentage of national income spent on defence. Spanish officials say troop deployments, military readiness, intelligence cooperation and participation in NATO missions are also important.
The disagreement comes at a sensitive time for NATO. The alliance is dealing with several major challenges at once.
The war in Ukraine remains a central issue. NATO countries have provided military and financial support to Ukraine while trying to avoid a direct conflict with Russia.
At the same time, NATO members are increasing attention on Arctic security, cyberattacks, terrorism, missile defence and instability in the Middle East.
The United States remains NATO’s largest military power and provides a major share of the alliance’s defence capabilities. This gives Washington significant influence over discussions about spending and military strategy.
However, European countries have increasingly discussed the need to strengthen their own defence industries and reduce dependence on the United States for weapons, ammunition and military technology.
Spain is an important NATO member because of its location. The country controls access points between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish ports and military bases are important for naval operations, air missions and security cooperation.
Spain also hosts US military personnel and facilities, including bases that support operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The Rota naval base in southern Spain is especially important for US and NATO maritime operations. It is used by US Navy ships and supports missile-defence systems.
Because of these close military ties, a serious breakdown in relations between Washington and Madrid would be unusual. Both governments have strong reasons to avoid a long-term dispute.
For Spain, maintaining good relations with the United States is important for security, trade and diplomacy. For the United States, Spain is a valuable ally because of its military facilities, location and role in Europe.
The political dispute may also affect Spain’s domestic politics. Defence spending can be controversial because many voters prefer government money to be used for social programmes, jobs, housing and public services.
Spain has faced economic pressure in recent years, including inflation, housing costs and concerns about wages. The government may find it difficult to increase military spending quickly if citizens believe other issues should receive priority.
Opposition parties may use the NATO dispute to criticise the government. Some may argue that Spain should spend more on defence to maintain strong relations with allies. Others may argue that Spain should not accept pressure from foreign governments over its budget decisions.
The issue also reflects a wider debate across Europe. Many European countries are trying to increase defence budgets after years of lower spending. But higher military spending can mean difficult choices for governments already facing pressure on healthcare, pensions and public infrastructure.
Spain has said it remains committed to NATO and collective security. The government is likely to continue explaining its defence contributions while resisting pressure to immediately accept higher spending targets.
Trump’s softer tone may reduce immediate tension, but the disagreement has not fully disappeared. The question of how much NATO members should spend on defence is likely to remain a major issue at future alliance meetings.
For now, Spain is trying to show that it is a reliable NATO partner while protecting its own economic and political priorities. The next steps by Washington and Madrid will be watched closely by European governments, NATO officials and businesses involved in US-Spain trade.