Trump Threatens Spain With Trade Freeze
US President Donald Trump has warned that he could suspend trade with Spain after Madrid blocked the United States from using its military bases for operations linked to Iran.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump criticised Spain’s stance, describing the country as “terrible” and suggesting a sweeping halt to commercial ties. “We could stop everything having to do with Spain,” he told reporters, adding that cutting off trade was under consideration.
The threat follows Spain’s decision to deny US access to military facilities in the country as part of recent operations targeting Iran. Spanish officials argued that allowing such use would breach international law and the United Nations charter.
It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will move forward with the proposed measures or how it would impose restrictions on a member of the European Union, where goods move freely among 27 countries. Any unilateral action against Spain could raise legal and diplomatic complications within the bloc.
Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration has authority to restrict imports if national or economic security is at stake. However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stopped short of endorsing the proposal, saying discussions were ongoing.
The dispute adds to broader tensions between Washington and Madrid, particularly over defence spending. Trump has repeatedly urged NATO allies to increase military expenditure to 5% of gross domestic product – a demand Spain has resisted.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently criticised US and Israeli strikes on Iran as unjustified and dangerous, further straining relations.
In 2025, trade between the two countries totalled tens of billions of dollars. According to US data, American exports to Spain reached approximately $26 billion, while imports from Spain – including pharmaceuticals and olive oil – stood at about $21 billion.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Trump this week, reportedly reminded the president that Spain’s trade ties are governed through the European Union, meaning any negotiations would have to involve the bloc as a whole.
The White House has not formally outlined next steps, leaving uncertainty over whether the trade threat will translate into concrete action.
