ANKARA, Turkey — President Donald Trump escalated tensions within NATO on Wednesday by threatening to sever all trade and tourism ties with Spain, criticizing the country’s reluctance to increase military spending and its restrictions on U.S. military operations during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump’s remarks came ahead of a series of meetings at the alliance’s annual summit in Turkey, underscoring growing discord between the United States and some NATO allies.
Addressing reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed frustration with Spain’s contribution to the alliance, labeling Madrid a “terrible partner” and insisting that the United States should immediately halt trade and travel relations. “Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said. “They make so much money with us, and we’re going to see that they make a lot less.”
He further suggested that Spain’s refusal to meet NATO’s defense spending targets and its limitations on U.S. military logistics during the Iran conflict had undermined alliance unity. Trump hinted that a cessation of economic and tourism exchanges would prompt Spain to reconsider its stance, calling on American businesses and officials to “cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.”
In response, the office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Trump’s comments as routine diplomatic rhetoric, emphasizing that Spain maintains “an excellent social, cultural and economic relationship with the United States” and does not intend to alter this dynamic. Madrid also highlighted that the European Union conducts economic relations on behalf of its 27 member states and pointed out that the U.S. currently enjoys a trade surplus with Spain.
Details on how the U.S. might implement trade or travel restrictions remain unclear, with neither the White House nor the Treasury Department offering specifics on potential measures. Experts noted that although the president holds authority to impose tariffs temporarily, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has limited this power, and any long-term sanctions would likely face legal scrutiny. Travel bans would be unprecedented beyond countries like North Korea, especially considering that nearly 4.5 million Americans visited Spain last year.
Alongside the conflict with Spain, President Trump’s summit interactions also revealed tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump notably avoided greeting Meloni before a group photo of NATO leaders, following recent disputes over Italy’s refusal to grant U.S. military access to its bases amid the Iran conflict. Trump had previously posted a digitally altered image mocking Meloni on social media but later softened his tone, calling her “a nice person” who “made a mistake.” Meloni, for her part, voiced no regrets over her stance and emphasized her commitment to reinforcing Western alliance unity despite the disagreements.
The events at the NATO summit highlight ongoing challenges within the alliance as leaders navigate differing priorities amid complex geopolitical developments.