Trump Challenges Spain
Trump demands halt to US-Spain trade citing NATO spending and blocked base access
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Key Points
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Spain's defense spending reached 2.1% of GDP in 2025, up from 1.4% in 2021, but Spain remains the only NATO member not committed to the 5% of GDP defense-spending target by 2035.
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Behind closed doors, President Trump did not repeat the public criticisms and signaled a more nuanced stance toward NATO, telling aides he wanted to remain in the alliance: 'we want to remain with you.'
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Spain refused to allow the United States to use its airspace or bases for Iran operations, and the Spanish government framed Trump’s remarks as business as usual, noting that Spain runs a trade deficit with the United States and that EU rules prevent singling out any member for trade measures.
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Trump contended that the United States has shouldered disproportionate costs for European security, saying the U.S. spent over a trillion dollars to protect allies from Russia and that some traditional partners were reluctant to support Iran operations, while some smaller countries offered help.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump demanded a complete halt to all trade with Spain, calling the ally a "wasted cause" and a "terrible partner." UPI reported Trump told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all trade — including tourism — with Madrid over defense spending and military access disputes.
Trump's public outburst came after Spain refused to allow the U.S. to use its airspace or bases during Iran operations. He also argued that Spain does not pay its fair share to NATO, saying the U.S. spent "over a trillion dollars" protecting European allies from Russia.
Spain's Defense Spending Fuels Trump's Anger
Spain's defense spending hit 2.1% of GDP in 2025, up from just 1.4% in 2021. But Spain is the only NATO member that has not committed to the bloc's new 5% of GDP target by 2035. Trump called this unacceptable, labeling Spain "hostile" to U.S. interests. Western Journal reported he directed Bessent to act on the trade cutoff immediately.
Spanish officials pushed back. They noted that Spain runs a trade deficit with the United States, meaning the U.S. actually sells more to Spain than it buys. Officials also pointed out that EU trade rules make it impossible for Washington to single out one member state for unilateral trade measures, according to Just News BD.
Iran Conflict Deepens the Rift Over Base Access
A key flashpoint was Spain's refusal to open its airspace and military bases for U.S. operations against Iran. Trump said some smaller, less prominent NATO countries offered help while traditional partners like Spain held back. He framed this as a betrayal of alliance obligations, according to UPI.
Trump said allies who refused to support the Iran campaign should not expect U.S. protection in return. The Spanish government framed his remarks as routine political pressure. Officials said bilateral ties remain strong and that Spain's contributions to NATO go beyond raw spending numbers.
Trump's Private Tone Softened Behind Closed Doors
Despite the fiery public statements, Trump struck a different note in private meetings. He told aides he wanted to stay in NATO, saying "we want to remain with you." This behind-the-scenes message contrasted sharply with his public demand to punish Spain, raising questions about how serious the trade threat really is.
Just News BD noted that analysts saw the gap between Trump's public and private stances as a negotiating tactic. Trump has used similar pressure before to push allies toward higher defense budgets. Whether Bessent will actually implement any trade restrictions on Spain remains unclear.
Alliance Cohesion at Risk as Burden-Sharing Rows Escalate
The Spain episode is part of a broader pattern. Trump has repeatedly pushed NATO allies to spend more on defense and threatened consequences for those who fall short. The new 5% of GDP target is far above the old 2% benchmark most members still struggle to meet. Spain argues the 2% level is reasonable and warns against splitting the bloc.
Allies at the Ankara summit scrambled to contain the fallout. Some warned that public threats against member states — including trade cutoffs — could fracture the alliance at a moment when unity matters most. UPI reported that allied leaders stressed the value of collective defense even as they tried to calm tensions on the summit floor.
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