US President Donald Trump has vowed to make Spain “pay twice as much” in an upcoming trade deal following the country’s refusal to meet NATO’s new defence spending target of 5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump sharply criticised Spain’s decision to reject the benchmark, despite broader NATO backing for the increase. “We’re negotiating with Spain on a trade deal. We’re going to make them pay twice as much,” he said, calling Spain’s stance “very terrible” and accusing the country of failing to shoulder its share of the alliance’s defence burden.

Earlier in the day, NATO leaders endorsed a dramatic rise in defence and security spending—an initiative championed by Trump—to boost the alliance’s military readiness by 2035. While most members agreed to the goal, Spain stood apart, asserting that it could still meet its obligations without hitting the 5% figure.

Trump’s threat, however, may face significant legal and diplomatic obstacles. As a member of the European Union, Spain does not negotiate its own trade agreements. Instead, the European Commission conducts trade talks on behalf of all 27 EU member states, meaning Trump would need to influence the terms of a broader US-EU agreement to target Spain specifically.

The Spanish Ministry of Economy declined to comment on Trump’s remarks, and European officials have yet to issue a formal response.

Melissa Enoch

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