Trump Threatens to Cut All Trade with Spain Over NATO Spending, Then Reverses
At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized Spain for failing to commit to a 5% GDP defense spending target, calling it a "terrible partner" and demanding a complete halt to U.S.-Spain trade and diplomatic contact. Spanish markets reacted negatively, with bonds and stocks falling. However, on his return flight, Trump abruptly reversed course, praising Spain’s "impressive comeback" after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reportedly agreed to a larger payment and assured allies of increased defense efforts.
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Sánchez Puts Allies in a Difficult Position: Consequences of Spain's Special Path at NATO
At the NATO Summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump publicly berated Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for Spain's insufficient defense spending, a move that was widely expected. However, the article from Die Welt argues that the incident raises a deeper strategic question for European allies: how to deal with a NATO member that refuses to align with the alliance's collective effort against Russia. Spain's reluctance to increase military expenditure and its 'special path' create tension within NATO, forcing other European nations to reconsider their diplomatic and strategic approach toward Madrid. The analysis highlights the broader implications for European security cohesion and the alliance's credibility in the face of Russian aggression.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump could halt trade with Spain using IEEPA law, but may not after meeting with Sánchez
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that President Donald Trump could legally cut off trade with Spain using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the same law behind his failed 'reciprocal' tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court in February. However, Greer indicated Trump may no longer want to take that step following a 'good meeting' with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the NATO summit in Ankara. The shift came after Trump angrily declared he was 'done dealing with Spain' due to its refusal to meet NATO's 5% GDP defense spending target. Trump later softened his tone, claiming Spain 'came back all the way' and honored a request for 'lots of payments,' though specifics remain unclear. Spain's embassy did not comment.
US Top News and AnalysisSpain's Sánchez Snubs Trump at NATO Summit as US President Reverses Stance
At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump launched a tirade against Spain, calling Spaniards 'bad people' and ordering a list of products for economic retaliation after Madrid refused to raise defense spending to the demanded 5% of GDP, sticking to 2.1%. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded confidently, noting Spain's 3,000 troops deployed in 17 NATO missions and describing a private meeting with Trump as friendly and focused on football. Hours later, Trump reversed course on his flight back to Washington, claiming Spain had 'completely rehabilitated itself' and agreed to a 'significant payment demand,' though no details were provided. The article highlights Sánchez's defiance and Trump's erratic behavior, leaving the nature of the alleged Spanish concession unclear.
taz.de - taz.dePedro Sánchez Says Trump Conversation Was Informal, Focused on Football
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Wednesday that his conversation with former US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit was informal and centered on football and the World Cup, despite Trump's recent criticism of Spain. Sánchez emphasized that the bilateral relationship between Spain and the United States remains 'very positive.' The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, but Sánchez sought to downplay the significance of the exchange, framing it as a casual discussion rather than a formal political dialogue.
RecordTrump Reverses Trade Halt with Spain, Praises 'Impressive Comeback' After Mysterious Payment
At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump announced a complete halt to trade relations with Spain, calling it a 'terrible partner' for rejecting the 5% GDP defense spending target and denying US bases during the Iran war. However, on the flight back to Washington, Trump abruptly reversed course, praising Spain's 'impressive comeback.' When asked for the reason, Trump stated that the Spanish government had complied with a request for a larger payment, adding that if they hadn't, the US would no longer be talking to them. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had assured NATO allies that Spain is 'now really making the greatest efforts,' which reportedly met with Trump's approval. The sudden reversal highlights the transactional nature of Trump's foreign policy and the leverage of financial demands within the alliance.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump Disrupts NATO Summit with Trade Threats Against Spain, Renewed Greenland Demands, and Iran Ceasefire Declaration
At a NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump threw the alliance into disarray by demanding the U.S. cut all trade with Spain, calling Madrid a 'terrible partner' for refusing to support the Iran war and increase defense spending. He also declared the fragile ceasefire with Iran over, calling Iranian leaders 'sick people,' and renewed his demand for U.S. control over Greenland, straining relations with Denmark. The remarks overshadowed European efforts to project unity on Ukraine and defense spending. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office downplayed the statements as 'business as usual,' while Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia condemned Trump's approach as 'bullying.' NATO Secretary Mark Rutte defended U.S. strikes on Iran and praised Trump for pushing allies to raise defense spending. A NATO diplomat suggested the crisis underscores the need for a more European NATO.
Military TimesTrump attacks Spain, demands Greenland, and declares Iran ceasefire over at NATO summit
At a NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump threw the alliance into disarray by ordering a halt to all trade with Spain, calling Madrid a 'terrible partner' for refusing to support the U.S. war on Iran. He also declared the fragile ceasefire with Iran over, calling Iranian leaders 'sick people,' and renewed demands for U.S. control of Greenland, angering Denmark. European leaders had hoped to project unity on Ukraine and defense spending, but Trump's remarks overshadowed the summit. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office treated the statements as 'business as usual,' while Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia condemned Trump's 'bullying.' NATO Secretary Mark Rutte defended U.S. strikes on Iran and praised Trump for pushing allies to increase defense spending. A NATO diplomat suggested the response should be to build a more European NATO.
Defense NewsTrump disrupts NATO summit with trade threats against Spain and renewed Greenland demands
During a NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump threw the meeting into disarray by calling Spain a 'terrible partner' and ordering a halt to all trade with the country, citing Spain's refusal to support the U.S. war on Iran and its rejection of increased defense spending. Trump also declared the fragile ceasefire with Iran over, calling Iranian leaders 'sick people,' and renewed his demand for U.S. control over Greenland, straining relations with Denmark. European leaders had hoped to project unity on Ukraine and defense spending, but Trump's remarks overshadowed those efforts. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office downplayed the statements as 'business as usual,' while Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia condemned Trump's approach as bullying. NATO Secretary Mark Rutte defended U.S. strikes on Iran and praised Trump for pushing allies to increase defense spending.
Defense NewsTrump Calls to Cut Off All US Trade with Spain Over NATO Spending
During remarks at the NATO summit early Wednesday, President Trump lashed out at Spain, calling it a 'wasted cause' and urging the United States to cut off all trade with the European country. Trump criticized Spain for what he described as a lack of contributions to NATO defense spending. The statement, reported by The Hill, reflects ongoing tensions within the alliance over burden-sharing, with Trump repeatedly pressing NATO members to meet defense spending targets. The abrupt call to halt trade with a key European ally marks a significant escalation in Trump's rhetoric against NATO partners.
Just In NewsTrump Orders Complete Trade Halt with Spain, Calling It a 'Terrible Partner' in NATO
US President Donald Trump announced a complete halt to all trade with Spain during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8, 2026. Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to stop all trade with the country, describing Spain as a 'terrible partner' in the military alliance. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump declared, 'I don't want to do business with them' and stated that 'visits' should also cease, adding 'We don't want anything more to do with them.' The move stems from Trump's longstanding complaint that Spain is not meeting its NATO obligations and is not investing enough in defense. The announcement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and a key NATO ally.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump says he doesn't want anything to do with Spain: 'Cut off all trade'
U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the NATO defense alliance summit in Turkey, harshly criticized Spain for insufficient defense spending, calling it a 'terrible partner' and demanding a complete halt to trade and diplomatic contact with Spain. Trump's remarks came during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Spain is the only NATO member that has not committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035, a target Trump has pushed. Following Trump's comments, Spanish government bonds sold off further, with the 10-year yield rising 7 basis points to 3.5408%, and the IBEX 35 equity index fell over 1%. The incident marks the latest escalation in Trump's ongoing dispute with Spain over its defense contributions.
US Top News and AnalysisTrump slams Spain over NATO spending, calls for cutting off all trade
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Spain for insufficient NATO defense spending during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump stated, '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, please, including visits.' He further called the Spanish 'hopeless, bad people.' Spain is the only NATO member that has not committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035. Following Trump's remarks, Spanish government bonds sold off further, with the 10-year yield rising 7 basis points to 3.5408%, and the IBEX 35 stock index fell over 1%. The incident marks the latest escalation in Trump's dispute with Spain over defense spending.
US Top News and Analysis