Trump threatens to cut US ties with Spain over base usage refusal
US President Donald Trump declared he will sever all connections with Spain after the NATO ally refused to allow American forces to use its bases in southern Spain for potential attacks on Iran. Speaking to reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump stated Spain has been problematic and instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all business dealings with Spain. "We're going to stop all trade with Spain. We don't want any connection with Spain," Trump said. Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, countered that the bases in Rota and Morón are Spanish sovereign territory used under existing treaty agreements, with no unusual circumstances requiring US requests. Albares emphasized Spain's sovereignty and stated Washington never formally asked to use the bases. Trump also criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's 5% GDP defense spending requirement, calling the country unfriendly despite NATO's collective excitement about the defense plan. The dispute highlights tensions between the US and its NATO ally over military cooperation and defense commitments.