U.S. Ambassador Benjamin León urges Spain to hit NATO’s 5% defence‑spending goal

U.S. Ambassador to Spain Benjamin León reminded Spanish officials at a diplomatic event in Madrid that NATO members have pledged to allocate 5 % of GDP to defence. Spain currently spends about 2.1‑2.2 % of GDP, well below the target. President Donald Trump, speaking alongside NATO secretary‑general Mark Rutte, harshly criticised Spain, calling it “a horrible spectacle” and saying it does not pull its weight in the alliance. León reiterated that the United States expects European allies to assume greater responsibility for collective security, citing the Trump administration’s insistence on the 5 % benchmark. Rutte echoed doubts about Spain’s ability to meet the goal, noting the disagreement between the two leaders remains unresolved.