The President of the United States has yet to come to terms with Spain's refusal to allocate 5% of its GDP to defense spending, as he demanded during the NATO summit held on June 24 and 25 in the Netherlands. Last night, during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Donald Trump went so far as to suggest expelling Spain from NATO. In a less-than-diplomatic tone, Trump criticized the Spanish government, claiming it is «dragging its feet» in meeting the 5% target he insists should apply to all NATO members. «They have no excuse not to do this, but that's all right. Maybe you should throw them out of NATO, frankly» he added, referring to the country's strong economic performance and its current defense spending of 2% of GDP. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has yet to respond to Trump's remarks. However, anonymous government sources said that «Spain is one of NATO's most serious and reliable allies». On the opposition side, Trump's comments were seized as an opportunity. «The problem is not Spain. Spain is a credible, proud, and committed partner within NATO, and we will remain so. The problem is Sánchez. He is not trustworthy, but that should not ruin the country. Our nation should not have to pay for his frivolity and irresponsibility. We know who our allies are. Spain will not leave NATO. Sánchez will leave Moncloa», wrote People's Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo on X. Spain hosts two major NATO bases: Rota (naval) and Morón (air). The country also houses NATO's Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Torrejón de Ardoz, near Madrid.
