Donald Trump renews criticism of Spain at NATO summit

During a press conference at the NATO summit in Turkey, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump once again questioned Spain's membership in the Atlantic Alliance.

As alliance member states convened at the Ankara summit, Trump has for years insisted that member countries increase their annual defense spending to 5% of GDP to fund the alliance. Spain has categorically refused this demand since the beginning of the year, a stance that coincided with its refusal to support the US offensive in the Middle East using bases on Spanish soil. Trump once again ordered his Secretary of the Treasury to cut all trade with Spain.

He declared Spain to be a "lost cause" and that he "doesn't want to do business with them anymore." "Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't contribute, they don't pay; I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut all trade with them, please, including visits," he stated, assuring that the measure would take immediate effect.

Mark Rutte, standing beside him, immediately nuanced Trump's remarks, reminding him that Spain had increased its defense spending to 2.1% (significantly more than Madrid had initially indicated at the start of the year). "You spoke about Spain; you even managed to get Spain to pay 2%. They've taken a big step forward last year, so there are still issues to resolve, but listen, even with Spain, I want to emphasize that they've reached 2%."

The European Commission also issued a statement defending Spain against Trump and reminding the current White House occupant that he cannot unilaterally alter trade relations with an EU member state. "The European Commission will always defend the interests of the Union and of each Member State, and will protect them. We are committed to maintaining a predictable and beneficial relationship; the European Commission is very clear on this point and its position remains unchanged, as we have said on numerous occasions. The relationship between the EU and the United States is of mutual interest and more important than ever."