Trump Attacks NATO Allies, Threatens Trade with Spain Over Greenland and Iran
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with NATO during the summit in Ankara, criticizing allies for their handling of Greenland and their stance on Iran.
- Trump threatened to halt trade with Spain, calling it a "terrible NATO partner" due to defense spending and perceived lack of support against Iran.
- The U.S. leader reiterated his desire for Greenland, deeming it vital for global security, while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed discussions on increasing U.S. influence in the Arctic island.
U.S. President Donald Trump voiced significant discontent with NATO allies during the summit in Ankara, expressing disappointment over their approach to Greenland and their perceived insufficient action against Iran.
I am very disappointed with NATO.
"I am very disappointed with NATO," Trump told reporters, citing the alliance's stance on Greenland and its alleged failure to assist in combating Iran, which he labeled the "biggest supporter of terrorism."
Trump specifically targeted Spain, calling it a "terrible NATO partner" and stating, "We don't want to trade with Spain anymore." He instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessento to "terminate trade." Spanish government sources responded calmly, emphasizing the strong social, cultural, and economic ties between Spain and the U.S., and stating they did not intend to alter these relations.
Spain is an empty affair. We don't want to trade with Spain anymore.
The U.S. president also reiterated his persistent interest in acquiring Greenland, an Arctic island belonging to NATO member Denmark. "Greenland is a big problem for us," Trump said, asserting its critical importance to the United States for global protection, even if not to Denmark. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that discussions would proceed regarding potential U.S. influence expansion on the island, despite Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's previous assertion that Greenland is not for sale.
Greenland is a big problem for us.
Trump also complained about the disproportionate financial burden the U.S. bears for NATO's defense of Europe against Russia, stating, "We are being treated unfairly." NATO allies aim to use the Ankara summit to address Trump's anger regarding Iran and reaffirm their commitment to increasing defense spending.
We are being treated unfairly.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.