"I will make them pay double": Donald Trump threatens to punish Spain

US President Donald Trump threatened to punish Spain after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country could fulfill its obligations to NATO by spending much less than the new NATO target of 5% of GDP, as reported by Reuters and The Guardian.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain for trying to avoid the new 5% target, saying he would "make her pay double" with trade measures, and threatening to take personal control of the negotiations.

"I think what they have done is terrible. You know, they (in Spain — EADaily) are doing very well. And this economy could collapse if something bad happens," Trump said, adding that Spain would get a tougher trade deal from the United States than other European Union countries.

Answering a question from a Spanish journalist, the US president has traditionally been very decisive.

"You are the only country that does not pay. I do not know what the problem is. I think it's a shame. We are going to compensate you for this. You know, we are negotiating a trade deal with Spain. We will make them pay twice as much. And I'm really serious," he said.

"I love Spain. I have so many people from Spain, it's a great place, and they are wonderful people," the American leader added.

Modulating his voice in a joking manner to make it sound more sinister, Trump said he would personally hold talks with Spain.

"I'm going to do it myself. They will pay more money this way. You have to tell them to change their mind and pay. You are a reporter, tell them to change their minds, they should join all countries that pay 5%," the head of the White House told a reporter in Spain.

"Spain is the only country of all the countries that refuses, so they want a little indulgence, but they will have to repay us for trade, because I will not allow this to happen. It's not fair," Trump vowed.