US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow American forces to use its military bases for strikes on Iran.
Trump also criticized Britain for its limited cooperation, saying the US-UK relationship isn’t what it used to be.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defended his country’s stance, stating that US forces can only use Spanish bases for operations consistent with the United Nations Charter.
Trump’s comments came during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he also criticized Spain’s defense spending, saying it’s the only NATO country not meeting the 5% GDP target.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent backed Trump’s claim, citing presidential authority to impose embargoes.
“Spain has been terrible,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.
“So we’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump said, adding that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to suspend economic dealings with Madrid.
However, it remains uncertain what authority Trump would have to terminate trade with Spain, especially after the US Supreme Court invalidated his use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs.
Reflecting on the matter, the 79-year-old former property developer asserted that he could stop all business ties with Spain “tomorrow — or today,” claiming broad executive authority.
