Trump lashes out and cuts off trade with Spain at NATO Summit, demands control of Greenland

President Donald Trump plunged a NATO summit into chaos by demanding the United States sever trade ties with Spain and reiterating his interest in acquiring Greenland. These pronouncements irked Denmark, Greenland's sovereign nation, and strained relations within the military alliance.

Speaking in Ankara, Turkey, Trump labeled Madrid a "terrible partner" within NATO, criticizing allies for their perceived lack of support in the war against Iran. He instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to immediately cease all trade with Spain. These remarks, coupled with his declaration that a fragile ceasefire with Iran was over, detracted from the summit's intended focus on European unity, support for Ukraine, and addressing internal alliance disputes.

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Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore.

Trump's outburst occurred alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who had been working to mediate Trump's concerns regarding defense spending, Iran, and Greenland. Rutte had also been promoting positive narratives about increased European defense commitments. The summit had seen significant defense initiatives unveiled, totaling at least $50 billion.

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By the way, I'd like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate; they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits.

Washington and Madrid have been in a protracted dispute, with Spain rejecting Trump's calls for significantly increased military spending and refusing to grant the U.S. access to its airspace or bases for operations related to the Iran war. Trump declared, "Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore," adding, "Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate; they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits."

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office responded by stating they viewed Trump's comments as typical, asserting that bilateral relations benefited both nations. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia was more direct, stating on X, "We are a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace. What's terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying."

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We are a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace. What's terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying.

A NATO diplomat commented on Trump's remarks, suggesting, "The answer to every question POTUS raises is clear: build a more European NATO. That’s what we’re doing in Ankara." Rutte, meanwhile, defended the U.S. strikes against Iran, calling them "absolutely necessary" and a "very strong response," while downplaying Trump's frustrations with allies over the Iran conflict as "isolated cases."

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The answer to every question POTUS raises is clear: build a more European NATO. That’s what we’re doing in Ankara.