President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Spain during the NATO summit in Ankara, calling the country a 'wasted cause' and threatening to sever trade relations. Trump's outburst came as Spain refused to pledge increased spending for the military alliance, where the United States is the largest contributor.
Trump's Remarks on Spain
Trump said: 'Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate, they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain.' He further disparaged the country led by left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, stating: 'Don't even talk to them. They're hopeless, bad people. They make so much money with us, and we're going to see that they make a lot less. I want no business with them.'
Spain's Response
Sánchez's office reacted to Trump's remarks, saying it has no plans to change its relationship with the United States. The tension traces back to the start of the US-Iran war in March, when Spain closed its airspace to flights involved in the military operation. Sánchez labelled the conflict as an 'illegal war,' banning US aircraft from flying through or refuelling in Spanish airspace.
NATO Spending Dispute
Spain plans to spend 2.1% of its GDP on NATO targets, significantly less than the 5% target by 2035 that the US has pushed for. Trump's threat to cut trade ties echoes his previous criticisms of NATO allies for not meeting defence spending commitments.
Iran Conflict Resumes
Meanwhile, attempts to make peace in Iran appear to have collapsed after fighting in the Gulf region resumed. US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain came under fire from Iran, which said it carried out the attacks in retaliation for a ceasefire violation. Trump had earlier declared that the ceasefire with Iran 'is over' after an exchange of fire.
