US President Donald Trump has called for an immediate halt to trade with Spain, sharply criticizing the NATO ally during the alliance’s summit in Ankara.
Ankara, Türkiye – Web Desk: According to international media reports, European leaders had hoped the summit would ease tensions within NATO. However, Trump renewed his criticism of Spain, describing it as a “terrible partner” in the alliance.
During the summit, Trump also reiterated his position that the United States should have control over Greenland, prompting a swift response from Denmark, which vowed to defend every inch of its territory.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed Spain was unwilling to cooperate on key issues and said he no longer wanted the United States to conduct trade with the country.
He also instructed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to move forward with ending trade relations, saying Spain benefits disproportionately from trade with the United States.
In response, the office of the Spanish Prime Minister said it viewed Trump’s comments as part of his usual political rhetoric and had no intention of changing Madrid’s strong relationship with Washington.
The statement also noted that Spain runs a trade deficit with the United States, meaning it imports more American goods than it exports. It added that trade relations are largely conducted by private companies rather than governments, and that, as a member of the European Union Customs Union, Spain cannot be singled out for unilateral trade measures.
The remarks come amid broader debates over NATO burden-sharing, transatlantic trade and security cooperation.
