What was intended as a discussion about acquiring Finnish icebreaker vessels took an unexpected turn during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb in the Oval Office on Thursday.
Instead of focusing solely on bilateral trade, Trump shifted the conversation toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and his ongoing dispute with Spain, one of its member countries.
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At the NATO summit held in June, Spain notably resisted Trump’s demand for member nations to boost their defense budgets.
Trump has consistently advocated for all NATO countries to allocate 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) toward military spending. However, Spain managed to secure an exemption, maintaining its defense expenditure near the previous 2 percent target.
This unresolved tension was evident during Thursday’s dialogue, as Trump reiterated his stance on NATO funding while speaking with Stubb.
“I asked them to contribute 5 percent, not just 2 percent,” Trump remarked regarding NATO members.
“Most believed this wouldn’t be achieved, yet it was nearly unanimous. Only one country lagged behind-Spain. You should reach out to them and ask why they’re falling short.”
He even hinted at possible consequences: “They have no valid reason to avoid this, but perhaps they should be expelled from NATO.”
Despite this sharp criticism, the meeting with Stubb remained cordial overall. Trump had previously welcomed the Finnish leader at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida earlier this year.
Throughout his presidency, Trump’s attitude toward NATO has fluctuated, at times endorsing the alliance and at others dismissing it as outdated.
However, in the presence of Stubb and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Trump expressed strong support for Finland, which became one of NATO’s newest members in April 2023, shortly before Sweden joined as well.
Journalists at the Oval Office session questioned Trump about potential U.S. responses if Russia were to escalate its military actions in Europe.
Given Finland’s historical context-having faced Soviet invasion in the 1930s-and the recent deterioration of relations following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, concerns about Russian aggression remain high.
In 2024, Finland sealed its 1,340-kilometer (841-mile) border with Russia, underscoring the growing divide between the two nations.
When asked directly if the U.S. would defend Finland in the event of a Russian attack, Trump responded unequivocally, “Yes, I would. They are a NATO member.”
Nonetheless, he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of such an invasion.
“I don’t believe that will happen. The chances are very slim,” he said, turning to Stubb. “You have a formidable military, among the best.”
Pressed on how he would respond to an attack, Trump’s succinct answer was: “Vigorously.”
This supportive tone sharply contrasted with his remarks about Spain. Following the June NATO summit, Trump labeled Spain’s stance as “hostile” and threatened economic repercussions, including doubling tariffs on Spanish goods entering the U.S.
“Spain’s actions are unacceptable,” he told reporters, accusing the country of benefiting unfairly at others’ expense. “Their economy could face severe consequences.”
Since its founding with 12 original members, NATO has grown to 32 countries, with Spain joining in 1982. To date, no member has ever been removed from the alliance.
