The political clash over the defense bill within NATO has returned to the spotlight after Donald Trump labeled Spain a “terrible partner.” But from Madrid, according to local media and the Spanish government’s version, the public signal has been cautious: avoid political noise and preserve the relationship with Washington.
Trump once again put Madrid in his sights
According to the source material, US President Donald Trump criticized Spain for refusing to increase military spending to 5% of Gross Domestic Product by 2035, a target linked to the alliance’s recent internal debates.
Trump called Spain a “terrible partner” in NATO, placing Madrid among the countries that, in line with his repeated position, do not contribute enough financially to collective defense.
Response from Madrid: public calm, no confrontational tone
After the comments made during the NATO summit in Ankara, sources from the Spanish government, cited by El País and public broadcaster TVE, said Trump’s statements were received “calmly and normally.”
According to the same sources, the Spanish government’s message was that Spain maintains an excellent social, cultural and economic relationship with the United States and that the aim is for this not to change.
The real debate remains over defense money
At the core of this tension is Trump’s continued pressure on NATO member states to increase their financial contributions to defense. Spain has been mentioned in particular for its more reserved position toward the alliance’s new targets.
According to the Spanish argument mentioned in the report, spending increases should move in line with the country’s economic and social priorities. This shows that, beyond the harsh political language, the clash is tied to a clear budgetary choice and to limits that Madrid does not seem willing to shift easily.
So far, there have been no signals from the Spanish side of a stronger political counter-response to Trump. The line emerging from the reported statements is more about managing the messaging crisis than opening a new diplomatic conflict.
However, the debate over NATO defense spending remains open and is expected to return whenever allies face new financial demands from Washington.