rki.news | Source: Xinhua
US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday a halt to trade relations with Spain, including official visits, accusing Madrid of failing to contribute sufficiently to NATO commitments during the alliance’s summit in Ankara.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before the main summit session, Trump criticized Spain’s defense spending and called the country a poor partner within the alliance.
Trump said he had directed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end trade engagement with Spain, arguing that Madrid does not meet NATO expectations and does not contribute enough financially.
The announcement came after Spain declined to commit to NATO’s new defense spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product. Madrid has also refused to allow US use of its airspace or territory for operations related to the conflict with Iran.
The remarks were made as NATO leaders gathered in Ankara to discuss alliance priorities, defense cooperation, military spending, and regional security challenges.
Trump’s statement marked a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Madrid over defense obligations and NATO burden-sharing issues.