U.S. President Donald Trump announced at a NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday that he has ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all trade with Spain. Trump labeled Madrid a "terrible partner" in the alliance, calling for an end to trade due to Spain's lack of support for the war in Iran and its failure to meet NATO commitments.
The president's frustration stems from Spain's refusal to agree to NATO's new defense spending target of 5 per cent of GDP. Additionally, Spain's Socialist leadership blocked the use of its airspace and bases, specifically the Rota and Morón bases, for Washington's bombing campaign against Iran. Trump had previously threatened economic reprisals regarding these base restrictions in March.
These announcements occurred while President Trump slammed Spain for insufficient contributions during the defense alliance summit in Turkey. The tension overshadowed the event, which European leaders had intended to use to project unity and demonstrate support for Ukraine.