Tensions between the United States and Spain have grown over NATO burden sharing and Madrid’s refusal to fully back Washington’s military strategy during the Iran war. Spain has declined to commit to NATO’s new defence spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product and did not allow the United States to use its airspace or military bases for operations against Iran.
The disagreement has made Spain a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump, who has accused some European allies of failing to contribute enough to collective defence.
Overview
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all trade with Spain, escalating a dispute over defence spending and Madrid’s stance during the Iran conflict.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance summit in Ankara, Trump described Spain as a “terrible partner” and said he wanted no further business with the country.
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The comments marked one of Trump’s strongest public attacks on a NATO ally and added to uncertainty over transatlantic relations.
Trump Escalates Pressure on Spain
Trump criticised Spain for refusing to meet NATO’s new defence spending commitments and accused the country of failing to support U.S. military operations during the Iran war.
Addressing Bessent during the meeting, Trump instructed him to halt trade with Spain immediately, saying he wanted no business with Madrid.
Spain has not immediately responded to Trump’s remarks.
Defence Spending Dispute Deepens
Spain has resisted NATO’s new target of spending 5 percent of GDP on defence and defence related measures, arguing that lower spending can still meet alliance obligations.
The disagreement has become a key point of friction between Madrid and Washington as NATO members face growing pressure to increase military investment.
Strategic Military Ties at Risk
Despite the political dispute, Spain hosts two key U.S. military facilities, Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which play an important role in American and NATO operations.
Any deterioration in bilateral relations could complicate defence cooperation, although no immediate changes to military deployments have been announced.
Why It Matters
Trump’s comments signal a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and one of its NATO allies.
If followed by concrete trade measures, the dispute could strain economic ties while raising broader questions about alliance unity during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Stakeholders
- United States — Increasing pressure on NATO allies over defence commitments.
- Spain — Facing potential economic and diplomatic consequences.
- NATO — Managing divisions among member states over burden sharing.
- European Allies — Monitoring whether similar pressure could be applied to other members.
What’s Next
Attention will turn to whether the Trump administration formally introduces trade restrictions against Spain and how Madrid responds diplomatically.
NATO leaders are also expected to continue discussions on defence spending and alliance unity as the Ankara summit concludes.
With information from Reuters.
