US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain, escalating tensions over NATO defense spending and Madrid's opposition to certain US foreign policy objectives. The remarks, made during a NATO summit in Ankara, have reignited debates over transatlantic trade relations and raised questions about whether the United States could legally implement such sweeping economic measures against one of its longtime allies.
Trump Says Spain Is Not Doing Enough On Defense
The latest comments from Trump, reported by Euronews, stem primarily from frustrations over Spain's military spending commitments within NATO. At the center of the dispute is NATO's long-term objective for member countries to increase defense spending toward a target of approximately 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. However, Spain has argued that such a target would be economically disproportionate and has instead maintained that defense spending of around 2.1% of GDP, as recommended by NATO, would adequately meet its security obligations.
Spain, which is currently spending around 2% of its GDP on defense, has already become the 7th out of the 32 NATO states when it comes to defense spending. This figure is already up more than 40% from the 1.4% allocation recorded in 2021.
During remarks at the summit, Trump described Spain as a "terrible partner" and a "wasted cause," while calling for the United States to halt trade and tourism ties with the country. He also instructed senior administration officials to examine options for restricting economic engagement. In the full statement, Trump stated that “They [Spain] don’t participate. They don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.”
Spain isn’t the only NATO country that has drawn the ire of the US president, but it remains the major focus of Trump’s grievances aired in Ankara. This is also happening despite trade between the United States and Spain being substantial. Presently, the US exports billions of dollars' worth of goods and services to Spain annually, including machinery, aerospace equipment, chemicals, agricultural products, and technology services. Tourism between the two countries also remains a major source of income as millions of American tourists visit Spain every year.
The strained relationship between President Trump and the nation of Spain did not just start recently. The two have been at loggerheads since Madrid criticized the actions of the US and Israeli militaries against Iran. Earlier this year, the Spanish government opposed certain military operations by both governments and declined requests involving the use of jointly operated military bases in Spain.
Even as time has passed, Spain has never changed its stance against the decision to go war with Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly defended the Spanish government's position, arguing that national security must be balanced with fiscal discipline and social spending priorities. Despite Trump’s comments, Madrid has reiterated its continued contributions and commitment to NATO missions and defense capabilities.