US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the NATO summit in Hague in the Netherlands, June 25, 2025.
Brian Snyder Reuters
US President Donald Trump On Wednesday, he said that the Spanish refusal to meet The purpose of the NATO defense expenditure 5% of the gross domestic product will mean a more difficult trade agreement for the country of southern Europe.
Speaking at a press conference at the annual NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said that the “terrible” Spain would not be obliged to achieve the goal until 2035.
“You know that they are doing very well. The economy (does) very well. And this economy can be blown out of water with something bad,” said Trump.
“You know what we are going to do? We are negotiating with Spain regarding the trade agreement and we will make them pay twice as much – and I really say seriously. I like Spain … This is a great place and they are great people, but Spain is the only country from all countries that refuses to pay,” he continued.
“So they want a little free ride, but they will have to turn to us for trade, because I will not let it happen. It is unfair,” said Trump.
His comments appear soon after NATO allies Agreement That more than twice target defense expenses from 2% GDP to 5% to 2035.
In a joint declaration, the Western military block said that “he was united in the face of deep threats of security and challenges,” in particular the long -term threat posed by Russia for the security of Euro -Atlantic and “persistent threat” of terrorism.
Earlier on that day, the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the country will achieve new NATO goals that relate to members' resources should undertake to defend themselves and a wider military alliance.
However, Sanchez said that Madrid considers current defense expenses in the amount of 2% of GDP as “sufficient, realistic and compatible with the social welfare state,” reports Reuters. Sanchez reportedly thanked NATO's allies for “respecting the sovereignty of Spain.”
A spokesman for the Spanish government was not immediately available when he contacted CNBC.
– Holly Ellyatt from CNBC contributed to this report.