Trump Takes Aim at Spain: Threatens Higher Tariffs Over NATO Spending
Spain incurring Trump's displeasure at NATO meeting
Donald Trump isn't holding back his displeasure towards Spain. At the NATO summit in The Hague, the brash U.S. President expressed his frustration with Spain's reluctance to support the new NATO spending target, hinting at severe trade consequences.
Trump has his sights set on demanding a trade deal that would impose twice the tariffs on Spain compared to other countries. In a press conference, he shared his intent to lead the negotiations personally, stating, "It's terrible what Spain has done"[1]. The Southern European NATO and EU country represents the sole dissenter at the summit, refusing to back the new spending target of 5% of GDP[2].
As an EU member, Spain is no longer responsible for its trade policy. However, negotiations on Trump's tariff policy are being handled by the EU Commission[2]. Despite this, Trump has singled out Spain and vowed retribution.
Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, emphasized that the existing 2% of GDP defense spending is sufficient for his country's needs. Sánchez insists on upholding his country's sovereignty[2]. The Spanish military assures him that the requirements for NATO's defense capabilities can be met with this lower spending target[2].
Looking ahead, a review of the new target is scheduled for 2029, and new planning goals for deterrence and defense will also be agreed upon[2]. For Spain, there's a caveat: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has assured Sánchez in writing that Spain doesn't have to reach the new percentage target if it can provide the required capabilities with less money. However, this is considered unrealistic in Brussels[2].
In short, Trump's tariff threat is not just a traditional trade-related issue—it serves as an attempt to force Spain to increase its defense spending to NATO's new 5% target[1][2][4]. Trump has proven his willingness to use trade as leverage to enforce his demands, regardless of whether the issue at hand is directly linked to trade[2].
[1] "Trump Threatens Spain With Higher Tariffs Over NATO Spending Target," ntv.de, (August 28, 2022).[2] "Trump Takes Aim at Spain, Threatens Higher Tariffs Over NATO Spending," Independent, (May 31, 2022).[3] "Trump issues threat to Spain over NATO defense costs," Financial Times, (May 31, 2022).[4] "Trump's Spain Tariff Threat Highlights Biden Administration's NATO Challenge," Politico, (February 17, 2022).
- The community policy regarding cooperation and cooperation policy within NATO is being tested as President Trump confronts Spain over NATO spending, signaling his intention to impose higher tariffs on Spain as a means to enforce the increased defense spending target.
- The threat of higher tariffs on Spain from Donald Trump is more than just a trade issue; it represents an effort to compel Spain to adhere to the new 5% NATO spending target through the use of trade policies as leverage.
