'Their Military Defence Are Absolutely Horrendous': Trump Attacks Spain Over Economy, NATO Spending

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 18:06 IST

Trump's response follows a day after Spain deepened its ties with Brazil during a high-level meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian leadership

US President Donald Trump has criticised Spain over its economic performance and defence spending, sparking fresh debate over NATO burden-sharing and transatlantic relations.

In a post shared on social media, Trump wrote: “Has anybody looked at how badly the country of Spain is doing. Their financial numbers, despite contributing almost nothing to NATO and their military defense, are absolutely horrendous. Sad to watch!!!"

His reaction comes a day after after Spain strengthened ties with Brazil during a high-level meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The two leaders held their first bilateral summit and signed 15 agreements covering sectors such as critical minerals, telecommunications and artificial intelligence. The meeting is being seen as part of a broader effort by Sánchez to build international partnerships in response to the political direction associated with Donald Trump.

“The relationship between Spain and Brazil goes far beyond the strictly bilateral," Sánchez told reporters after the agreements were signed. “Peace and the values that sustain it are being attacked by a reactionary wave," he said, adding that “while others open wounds, what we want is to close and heal them."

The summit marked the beginning of a two-day gathering in Barcelona, where Spain is hosting leaders from several countries. The event is aimed at positioning the city as a centre for political dialogue and cooperation, particularly among leaders who share similar global concerns.

Representatives from countries including Mexico, South Africa, Colombia and Uruguay are also taking part and are expected to address the gathering. Many of the participants have expressed opposition to the ongoing war in Iran and have criticised what they describe as interventionist US foreign policy.

“I fully understand when you say ‘No to war,’" Lula said alongside Sánchez. “The UN is very weakened today. The nations that created the UN do not respect it," he said. “Why have democratic institutions stopped working?"

Sánchez also emphasised the need for reform in global institutions, particularly the United Nations, to better represent developing nations. He said Spain would work with partners to push for “the necessary reform of the multilateral system," including giving greater voice to countries from the Global South such as Brazil.

The meeting highlights growing efforts by several nations to coordinate on global issues, even as geopolitical divisions continue to widen.

News world 'Their Military Defence Are Absolutely Horrendous': Trump Attacks Spain Over Economy, NATO Spending

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