SouthernWorldwide.com – President Donald Trump issued a strong warning on Wednesday, threatening to halt all U.S. trade with Spain. This drastic measure follows his criticism of the NATO ally for its reluctance to commit to the alliance’s new defense spending target.
During the NATO summit, Trump specifically targeted Spain, labeling the nation a “wasted cause.” He explicitly urged an end to all trade with one of America’s key European partners.
“Spain is a wasted cause,” Trump stated. “We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore, by the way.”
The President further elaborated on his demand, saying, “Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.”
These remarks were made after NATO leaders endorsed a new defense spending benchmark. This benchmark calls on member nations to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product to defense and related expenditures.
Spain stood out as the sole member of the alliance that publicly declined to commit to the full target. Instead, the country sought flexibility in how it would achieve NATO’s capability goals.
Trump argued that Spain has reaped benefits from the alliance without contributing its fair share. He expressed his dissatisfaction with their level of participation and financial commitment.
“They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump declared.
He reiterated his stance, stating, “I don’t want to do any more trade with him. All right? Take it immediately. Don’t even talk to them.”
Despite his strong words, Trump predicted that Spain would eventually seek to re-establish trade relations with the United States.
“They’re hostile about it, and let’s see how hostile they remain when they call up and they, ‘Please, please, we want to trade with you, sir,'” Trump commented. “They make so much money with us and we’re going to see that they make a lot less. I want no business with them.”
These comments signify an intensification of Trump’s long-standing criticism of NATO allies that spend less on defense.
Throughout his presidencies, Trump has consistently argued that nations failing to meet alliance spending commitments are unfairly relying on the United States for their security.
However, any significant attempt to restrict trade with Spain could encounter considerable legal and diplomatic challenges. Spain is a member of the European Union, which handles trade policy as a customs union. This means trade policy is negotiated collectively, rather than through individual bilateral agreements with each member state.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s statement represented a formal policy shift or simply an expression of his frustration with Spain’s stance on NATO spending. The White House had not immediately provided details on whether the administration is considering trade restrictions targeting Spain.
The United States and Spain maintain a substantial trading relationship.
In 2025, the two countries engaged in trade of approximately $47 billion in goods. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the United States exported about $26 billion worth of goods to Spain and imported roughly $21 billion from Spain.
Spain’s exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, food products, and vehicles. Conversely, the United States exports energy products, machinery, aerospace equipment, and chemicals to Spain.
Trump’s criticism of Spain also comes amid months of increasing tension between Washington and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez concerning national security and foreign policy issues.
Earlier in 2026, Sánchez had condemned the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, calling it an “extraordinary mistake” and advocating for de-escalation. Furthermore, Spain refused to permit the U.S. to utilize the jointly operated Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base to support offensive operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.
Spanish officials contended that the strikes lacked international legal backing. They also stated that the bases could not be used for unilateral military actions.
