Notably, despite Trump threatening a tough trade deal for Spain, the southern European country has not yet faced any material consequences. “Spain is an interesting case in Europe because it is really the only country that is openly antagonizing Trump whereas everybody is trying to keep their head down for the most part,” Federico Santi, a senior analyst focused on southern Europe at Eurasia Group, told CNBC by video call.
tirsdag 12. august 2025
Spain treads a risky path by standing up to Trump on defense and China
Spain’s somewhat unique approach to defense and foreign policy is fueling tensions with the Trump administration. The Spanish government recently renounced U.S. aircraft purchases and resisted intense pressure to commit to NATO’s new 5% defense spending target, while seeking closer economic ties with China. Taken together, analysts say Spain has become a rare example of a European country willing to draw the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Notably, despite Trump threatening a tough trade deal for Spain, the southern European country has not yet faced any material consequences. “Spain is an interesting case in Europe because it is really the only country that is openly antagonizing Trump whereas everybody is trying to keep their head down for the most part,” Federico Santi, a senior analyst focused on southern Europe at Eurasia Group, told CNBC by video call.
Notably, despite Trump threatening a tough trade deal for Spain, the southern European country has not yet faced any material consequences. “Spain is an interesting case in Europe because it is really the only country that is openly antagonizing Trump whereas everybody is trying to keep their head down for the most part,” Federico Santi, a senior analyst focused on southern Europe at Eurasia Group, told CNBC by video call.
