Pentagon hails Spain’s fundamental NATO contribution despite Trump’s tariff threats over defence spending targets, minister says
MADRID: The United States has praised Spain’s contribution to NATO according to the Spanish defence minister.
Margarita Robles made this statement after President Donald Trump suggested expelling Spain from the alliance.
Trump had threatened expulsion for Spain’s failure to meet his military spending target.
Last week saw the United States announce some troop withdrawals from NATO’s eastern European flank.
The Pentagon simultaneously acknowledged Spain’s fundamental role in European defence.
Robles revealed the Pentagon congratulated Spain for reinforcing the Atlantic Alliance.
She highlighted Spain’s contribution of more than 700 troops in Latvia.
The defence minister spoke at a security forum held in Madrid on Monday.
Robles emphasized that Spain remains a committed ally despite criticism.
She noted the US Department of War formally recognized Spain’s commitment last week.
This revelation contrasts sharply with Trump’s recent threatening remarks.
The former president had threatened both expulsion and tariff punishment against Spain.
Spain was NATO’s lowest relative defence spender last year.
The 32-nation alliance agreed in June to boost defence spending significantly.
This agreement followed pressure from Trump regarding European security commitments.
NATO members committed to spending five percent of economic output on defence.
This spending target is set to be achieved over the next decade.
Spain has insisted it will not need to meet the headline spending figure.
The country maintains it should focus on capacity objectives instead.
Spanish officials believe meeting operational goals matters more than fixed spending targets. – AFP
