'They're terrible': Trump threatens to cut all trade with Spain over Nato and Iran

"Spain has been terrible. So we're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain. I have asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all dealings with Spain. I could tomorrow stop -- or today, even better -- stop everything having to do with Spain, all business. I have the right to... do anything I want with it."

"Spain's left-wing government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe's most defiant leaders against Trump, has said that bases long used by US forces could only be allowed for activities consistent with the United Nations Charter. Sanchez's refusal to join Nato allies in a pledge to boost defence spending to five percent of GDP, a level pushed by Trump who says the United States fears too much of a burden."

"If the US administration wishes to review this relationship, it must do so while respecting the autonomy of private companies, international law and bilateral agreements between the European Union and the US. Our country has the necessary resources to contain possible impacts, help sectors that may be affected, and diversify supply chains."

President Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain, citing the country's refusal to permit US military bases for potential operations against Iran and its resistance to increasing defense spending to five percent of GDP. Spain's left-wing government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, maintains that base usage must comply with UN Charter provisions. Trump also criticized Britain for insufficient cooperation. Spain responded by emphasizing its mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US and stating it would respect international law and bilateral agreements while protecting affected sectors through supply chain diversification. Legal questions remain regarding Trump's authority to unilaterally end trade relationships following Supreme Court restrictions on his emergency powers.

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