Trump lashes out at Spain and orders the severing of trade relations because “it is a terrible ally”

The diplomatic crisis between the United States and Spain has erupted with unprecedented force. US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to “cut off all trade” with Spain after the government of Pedro Sánchez refused to allow the use of the military bases in Rota (Cádiz) and Morón de la Frontera (Seville) as part of the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran. 

Speaking from the Oval Office alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz , Trump directly attacked the Spanish government. “Some European countries, like Spain, have behaved terribly . In fact, I told Scott to cut off all ties with Spain,” he stated, referring to his Treasury Secretary. The president went further, asserting that Spain is “a terrible ally” and that his administration wants “nothing to do with Spain.”

The US president has linked the disagreement both to Spain’s refusal to use its military bases and to its rejection of raising its defense spending to 5% of GDP, as he demanded within NATO . “Everyone was enthusiastic, Germany, everyone. And Spain didn’t do it. And now Spain says we can’t use their bases,” he complained. Trump even hinted that he could impose an “embargo” and asserted that he has the right to “stop all business with Spain tomorrow or today.”

In his remarks, the Republican leader insisted that Washington could use the military installations if it wanted. “We could just fly in and use it. Nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don’t have to,” he said, in a statement that raises diplomatic tensions and creates a scenario of commercial and strategic uncertainty between the two historic allies.

The Ministry of Defense rejects the use of the Rota and Morón military bases.

Trump’s threats come after statements by Defense Minister Margarita Robles , who on Monday asserted that Spain is “not providing any kind of support” to the United States in its attacks against Iran. ” Absolutely not, no assistance of any kind has been given,” she emphasized.

Robles noted that the use of these facilities is governed by a bilateral agreement that must operate “within the framework of international law” and under the protection of an international resolution. In this case, he explained, the military operations are being carried out “unilaterally, without the support of an international resolution,” and therefore the treaty “is not applicable.”

The minister insisted that Spain maintains the “utmost respect” for the United States as an ally, but made it clear that this does not imply supporting actions that lack international legal backing. Furthermore, she defended the diplomatic route and reiterated the government’s rejection of military escalation, advocating for an immediate de-escalation and political solutions within the framework of the United Nations.

The open confrontation between Trump and the Spanish government not only strains bilateral relations , but also puts Aragon and the country as a whole at risk of economic retaliation if trade reprisals from Washington ultimately materialize .