WASHINGTON / ANKARA — US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Spain, announcing that he has instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end trade relations with Madrid while accusing the European country of failing to contribute enough to NATO.
The dramatic remarks came during the NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump also criticized the alliance over defense spending, Iran policy, and disagreements surrounding Greenland.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump described Spain as a “terrible partner” within NATO and said Washington should stop conducting business with the country.
Trump Demands Immediate Trade Action Against Spain
During his comments, Trump turned to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and instructed him to take immediate action against Spain.
“I don’t want to do any trade with them,” Trump said, before ordering officials to move quickly on the issue.
He accused Spain of benefiting financially from its relationship with the United States while failing to meet its obligations as a NATO member.
Trump claimed that Spain had earned significant economic benefits through trade with America but said Washington would now ensure that Madrid received fewer advantages.
The White House has not publicly released specific details about what legal measures would be used to halt trade with Spain or whether such an order would affect existing commercial agreements.
NATO Spending Dispute Fuels Tensions
Trump’s criticism of Spain is closely linked to disagreements over NATO defense spending.
Spain has resisted the alliance’s recently announced target of increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a goal strongly supported by Trump.
The US president has repeatedly argued that European allies rely too heavily on American military power while contributing insufficient financial resources.
Trump also criticized Spain’s decision not to provide access to certain military bases and airspace during US operations connected to the Iran conflict.
Spain hosts important US military facilities, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which play significant roles in American military operations in Europe and beyond.
Trump Expands Criticism to NATO Alliance
Beyond Spain, Trump widened his criticism to NATO as a whole, claiming the alliance has not treated the United States fairly.
“NATO is America’s most difficult partner,” Trump said, arguing that Washington has spent enormous amounts protecting European allies from external threats.
He claimed that the United States has invested heavily in NATO security but has not received similar support during recent international crises, particularly regarding Iran.
Trump also suggested that America could operate without NATO, despite acknowledging the alliance’s historic role in global security.
Greenland and Iran Add to NATO Disputes
Trump also brought up Greenland during discussions, describing the Arctic territory as a major issue for the United States.
He argued that NATO members have benefited from American support but failed to assist Washington when requested.
“Greenland is a big problem for us,” Trump said, repeating his long-standing interest in bringing the territory under US control despite opposition from Denmark and Greenlandic officials.
The president also addressed Iran, saying he believed a previous memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran was no longer active.
Trump reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and warned that the United States would continue taking action to prevent that outcome.
Spain Responds Calmly to Trump Remarks
Spain’s government responded cautiously to Trump’s statements, describing them as part of normal diplomatic disagreements.
The Spanish prime minister’s office said Madrid was treating the comments as “business as usual” and emphasized that the country intends to maintain strong economic, cultural, and social ties with the United States.
Spanish officials highlighted three key points in response:
- The United States currently maintains a trade surplus with Spain.
- Trade policy involving Spain is governed through the European Union’s common trade framework.
- Economic relationships are primarily driven by private companies rather than government decisions.
Madrid also indicated that individual EU member states cannot be targeted separately under existing European trade rules.
Growing Rift Between Washington and European Allies
Trump’s latest comments reflect broader tensions between Washington and several European governments over military spending, trade, and foreign policy priorities.
While NATO leaders continue to emphasize alliance unity, Trump’s repeated criticism of defense contributions and burden-sharing has raised concerns about future US-European relations.
The dispute with Spain represents another challenge for the alliance as member states attempt to balance increased defense commitments with maintaining political cooperation.
