(BBC) – US President Donald Trump has warned he could halt all trade with Spain after Madrid blocked the US from using its military bases for operations linked to Iran.
Speaking at the White House, Trump described Spain’s stance as “terrible” and suggested sweeping economic action could follow. “We’re going to cut off all trade. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” he told reporters.
The bold threat adds fuel to already strained relations between the two nations, particularly over Spain’s refusal to increase its NATO defence spending to 5% of GDP, a key demand from Trump.
“I could tomorrow or today, even better stop everything having to do with Spain,” Trump said, claiming he has the authority to impose an embargo if national and economic security is at stake.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed that view, while US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stopped short of fully backing the move, saying discussions were ongoing.
It remains unclear whether the administration will act on the threat or how it would enforce trade restrictions on a member of the European Union, where goods move freely across 27 countries.
Trade between the two nations is significant.
In 2025, the US exported about $26bn worth of goods to Spain, while importing roughly $21bn including pharmaceutical products and olive oil.
Tensions escalated after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised US and Israeli strikes on Iran as “unjustified” and in violation of international law.
Spanish officials later barred the US from using military bases in southern Spain, citing concerns over breaching the UN charter.
Trump also voiced frustration with the UK over the same issue, calling it “very uncooperative,” though he stopped short of threatening trade action.
Whether the fiery rhetoric turns into policy remains to be seen.
