Tue Oct 14 18:40:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Spain Dismisses Trump’s NATO Spending Criticism, Unfazed by Potential Ouster**
Madrid, Spain – Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles downplayed concerns about Spain’s NATO membership following scathing remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the nation’s defense spending. Trump, in a recent appearance, labeled Spain a “laggard” for contributing 1.3% of its GDP to defense in 2023, falling short of NATO’s 2% target. He even suggested the possibility of expelling Spain from the alliance.
“We are not worried,” Robles told reporters in Madrid, asserting that Spain remains a committed and loyal NATO ally.
Trump’s criticism follows Spain’s recent exemption from a NATO goal to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, citing financial constraints. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the decision, stating it was Spain’s sovereign right to determine its spending priorities.
NATO has acknowledged the need for flexibility, initiating a review of spending progress slated for 2029. Trump has repeatedly voiced his displeasure with Spain’s defense spending, even amidst a NATO summit in the Hague in June.
Despite Trump’s remarks, the Spanish government maintains its commitment to the alliance, while prioritizing its own financial needs and defense ecosystem.
First Piper 