During the recent NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain, labeling it a “terrible partner” and suggesting a halt to trade and visits. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded with calm, emphasizing Spain’s positive relationship with the United States and highlighting the European Union’s role in trade policy.
Trump’s Remarks at the Ankara Summit
Donald Trump singled out Spain during his press conference at the NATO summit, accusing the country of being a “wasted cause” and asserting it “doesn’t participate” and “doesn’t pay” its fair share. He went further, stating, “Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits,” and declared he did not want “any more trade” with Spain. Trump’s criticisms extended to several NATO allies over issues including Iran, Greenland, and defence spending, arguing that Washington shoulders too much of Europe’s protection costs.
Sánchez Responds with “Calma y Paciencia”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Sánchez adopted a tone of “Calma y paciencia.” He affirmed that Spain’s relations with the United States remain positive across social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. Sánchez also clarified that trade policy for Spain, which currently has a trade deficit with the United States, is managed by the European Commission, not individual member states alone.
Sánchez recounted an informal, cordial conversation he had with Trump after the U.S. president’s press conference, noting that their exchange focused on football and the World Cup in the United States. He stated there was “no tension” in that exchange and that “todo ha sido buenas palabras y amabilidad.” He also defended Spain’s commitment to NATO, pointing to a significant increase in defence investment from 0.9% of GDP in 2018 towards 2% by 2026. Sánchez highlighted that Spain was among the top three NATO countries in 2024 and 2025 for increasing defence investment, and that its presence in NATO missions is valued by allies.
Broader NATO Context
The exchange between Trump and Sánchez occurred amidst broader discussions among NATO leaders in Ankara concerning defence spending, support for Ukraine, the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and the future of allied unity. Despite the public pressure from Trump on defence contributions, the summit’s final declaration reaffirmed the allies’ commitment to collective defence.
What did Donald Trump say about Spain?
Donald Trump called Spain “a wasted cause” and “a terrible partner in NATO,” suggesting that the United States should “Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.”
How did Pedro Sánchez respond to Trump’s criticism?
Pedro Sánchez responded calmly, stating “Calma y paciencia.” He highlighted Spain’s increased defence spending towards 2% of GDP by 2026, affirmed positive U.S.-Spain relations, and noted that EU trade policy is handled by the European Commission.
Has trade between the U.S. and Spain been cut off?
No, the source material indicates that Donald Trump called for trade to be cut off, but there is no information suggesting that U.S.-Spain trade has actually been cut off or that a new formal U.S. trade measure against Spain has been adopted.
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