Responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off trade, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Office said it was treating the remarks as “business as usual,” noting that bilateral ties remain beneficial in both trade and defence. The office also said that Spain enjoys excellent social, cultural, and economic relations with the United States and has no intention of changing that.
Speaking at a summit of NATO leaders in Ankara, Trump also said he had ordered his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off trade ties with Spain, calling Madrid a “terrible partner” in NATO.
Washington and Madrid have been at loggerheads, with Spain explicitly rejecting Trump’s demands for European countries to sharply increase military spending to pay for their own defence.
Quick answers to key questions
What was Spain’s response to Trump’s threat to cut off trade?⌵
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Office stated they are treating Trump’s remarks as ‘business as usual’ and emphasized the continued benefits of trade and defense relations with the United States.
Why did Trump label Spain a ‘terrible partner’ in NATO?⌵
Trump criticized Spain for not participating adequately in NATO obligations, particularly mentioning the country’s stance on military spending and its refusal to support U.S. operations against Iran.
How has the U.S. and Spain relationship been affected by Trump’s threats?⌵
Despite Trump’s negative comments, Spain maintains a strong social, cultural, and economic relationship with the U.S., emphasizing that they do not intend to alter these ties.
Should Spain increase its military spending in response to Trump’s demands?⌵
Spain has explicitly rejected Trump’s demands to increase military spending, believing their current level of commitment is sufficient for their defense needs.
What military actions has Spain recently taken in relation to U.S. operations?⌵
Spain has denied the U.S. access to its military bases for operations against Iran and closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the conflict, reflecting its independent defense policy.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said. “By the way, I’d like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits.”
In March, Spain had told the US that it will not allow them to use joint military bases on its territory for operations against Iran and also closed its airspace to US planes involved in the war.
