U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday at a NATO summit that he has ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cease all trade with Spain, citing Madrid’s role as a “terrible partner” in the alliance.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Trump confirmed his decision to halt trade, escalating geopolitical tensions regarding defense spending commitments and Spain’s stance during the recent conflict involving Iran.
As reported by Reuters, Trump’s comments came after Spain declined to support NATO’s new defence spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product and following disagreements over U.S. military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
NATO spending dispute
Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain over its defence spending position, arguing that all NATO members should contribute more toward collective security.
During the summit, Trump told Rutte that Spain should not receive support from other alliance members because of its refusal to meet the new spending target.
“I don’t want to do any trade with them,” Trump said while addressing Bessent, who responded affirmatively.
The remarks marked the latest escalation between Washington and Madrid as NATO members debate how to share defence responsibilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The United States maintains two major military facilities in Spain, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which play important roles in U.S. and NATO operations.
The bases provide strategic access to the Mediterranean region and support a range of defence and logistics activities. The dispute has raised questions over whether tensions between the two allies could affect broader security cooperation.
Broader alliance tensions
Trump’s comments follow previous disagreements with Spain over its response to the Iran conflict, including Madrid’s refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to use Spanish airspace or bases for operations related to the war.
A Pentagon internal email previously outlined possible options for responding to NATO allies that Washington believed had not supported U.S. operations during the conflict, including measures targeting Spain, according to a U.S. official cited by Reuters.
The latest remarks add further uncertainty to relations between the United States and some European allies as NATO members navigate defence spending, security commitments and geopolitical priorities.
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