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Date Published: 21/01/2025

Trump vs Spain relations get off to a rocky start

The presidents of the US and Spain have traded jibes just hours into Trump’s second term

Donald J. Trump has been invested for the second time as President of the United States and early initial statements indicate that his relationship with Spain over the next four years could be fraught, to say the least.

In a stark message aimed at Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, Trump criticised Spain’s low defence spending and compared the country to BRICS nations, a grouping of emerging economies led by Russia and China.

Speaking during his first hours back in the White House, Trump accused Spain of failing to meet NATO spending targets. When asked by a reporter about NATO members’ contributions, Trump remarked: “What can we expect from countries that spend the least, like Spain?” He went on to describe Spain as a BRICS nation, a claim that was promptly corrected by a journalist. Nevertheless, the US president doubled down, suggesting Spain would soon face high tariffs similar to those he has threatened against BRICS nations.

“Spain? Do you know what a BRICS nation is? You’ll figure it out,” Trump said, adding that the US might impose a 100% tariff on business with such countries.

Trump: They are brics nation, Spain? Do you know what a brics nation is? You will figure it out. pic.twitter.com/APkdaw1D9f
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 21, 2025

The comments have reignited debates over NATO’s defence spending commitments. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Trump on his return to office and emphasised the need for member states to accelerate defence investments. Trump has long urged allies to spend at least 4–5% of their GDP on defence, far surpassing NATO’s agreed 2% target.

In response, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares highlighted that defence spending decisions are made collectively within NATO. He reiterated Spain’s commitment to meeting its agreed targets but refrained from escalating tensions with the US.

Sánchez vows to lead leftist coalition against Trump ‘threat’

Pedro Sánchez, meanwhile, has been vocal in his criticism of what he calls the “techno-caste”, a term encompassing figures like Elon Musk, whom he accuses of consolidating power over social media and public discourse.

Sánchez tied this warning to his broader concerns about a rise in global right-wing populism, which he argues is being amplified by disinformation campaigns and the misuse of digital platforms.

At an event marking the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco’s death, Sánchez described the “reactionary international” as a major threat to democracy, a concern he has reiterated in the face of Trump’s return to power.

In his latest remarks, Sánchez warned of Musk’s growing influence, particularly in the wake of Musk’s controversial online campaigns that offered monetary rewards for pro-Trump endorsements. Sánchez dismissed these actions, stating: “Democracy is not one euro, one vote. It is not one tweet, one vote. It is one person, one vote.”

Sánchez plans to take his concerns to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he aims to rally support for a more democratic and ethical digital revolution. His vision for Artificial Intelligence (AI) contrasts sharply with that of figures like Musk. Sánchez advocates for AI that prioritises the common good, increases productivity, and avoids concentrating power in the hands of a few.

Despite his critical tone, Sánchez congratulated Trump on his inauguration, signalling a desire to maintain strong US-Spain relations. However, his government remains wary of the influence wielded by technological giants and the implications of Trump’s leadership on global geopolitics.

Sánchez was not invited to witness the inauguration of Trump as President, and nor was conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo , but far-right rabble rouser Santiago Abascal was there, a move that he said was trump sending an anti-woke, anti-globalist message.

Image: Donald J. Trump

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