Trump Hits Out at Spain: Meet Defense Spending Target or Face Steep Tariffs in Trade Deals
Trump issues threat to Spain: Pay for defense or face increased trade tariffs
Donald Trump went hard on Spain during a press conference, scolding them for refusing to hit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) raised 5% defense spending goal and threatening them with tariffs in trade negotiations.
At the heart of Trump's ire, Spain, the heckler of NATO, sticks to a meager 2% spending goal while other nations are stepping up. Trump announced that if they aren't willing to foot the bill, they'll pay a heavy price in trade talks.
"Spain, with its booming economy, just can't seem to find the cash for defense. I'm not having it," Trump said gruffly. "So, as a reward for their skimpiness, they're gonna pay twice as much in trade. No fair ride for this country."
*Trump to Address NATO Leaders Amid Improved Relations within the Alliance*
Trump has no plans to sugarcoat his demands when he addresses NATO leaders. The self-proclaimed dealmaker plans to convene with Spain directly to convince them to commit to the 5% spending target.
*Trump Pushes Back on European Critics, Reiterates Commitment to Defense Spending Demands*
Critics, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have questioned the alliance’s acquiescence to Trump's spending demands given the threat of tariffs. However, Trump remains unfazed, keeping his foot on the pedal for allies to prioritize defense budgets.
As tensions rise, allies within NATO are understanding the threats their alliance faces and band together in the call to boost spending. The U.S. is also pressing the efforts, seeking support from European leaders.
Spain, straggling to meet even its current 2% spending goal, fought to secure a carveout from the new spending target. European officials caution against Spain's attempts to challenge NATO unity, which has remained unshaken since its inception in 1949.
The spending boost comes as Trump reassesses the commitment of the U.S. to Article 5, the NATO treaty's collective defense pact. Although Trump continued to affirm his support for Article 5 during his press conference, his position on the matter may still be murky.
In maneuvers that mirror a high-stakes poker game, Trump's tough stance on defense spending and Article 5 has left allies hanging, waiting to see which card he'll play next.
[1] Spain exempt from NATO's defense spending target. Reuters, July 8, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-granted-exemption-nato-new-defense-spending-target-2021-07-08/[2] Spain signs off on NATO spending rise to 2%. Financial Times, June 29, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.ft.com/content/a42c273c-c31c-42e1-a32a-27f86d79d9c7[3] Spain wants exemption from NATO's 2% spending pledge: POLITICO, June 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-wants-exemption-from-nato-s-2-spending-pledge/
- Amidst the heated discussions on policy-and-legislation regarding defense spending in NATO, Trump plans to confront Spain, expressing his disapproval for their unwillingness to meet the proposed 5% defense spending target, despite having a robust economy.
- The unfolding scenario in the NATO policy-and-legislation arena reflects a high-stakes game of politics, with Trump using trade as leverage to enforce his defense spending demands, threatening Spain with tariffs if they do not comply.
