The President of the United States, Donald Trump, launched a harsh message against the government of Pedro Sánchez, accusing it of failing to meet its commitments within NATO, and asserted that his administration must end all trade with Spain.
During a public address, Trump described Spain as "a lost cause" and maintained that the European country is "a terrible partner" within the military alliance. In that context, he demanded that trade relations and even official visits be suspended immediately.
"Spain is a lost cause. We don't want to do trade business with Spain. I would like you to cut it off," Trump stated.
"I don't want to do any more business with them"
The U.S. president went even further by claiming that Spain does not meet its financial obligations within NATO and that the rest of the allies end up bearing a greater burden.
"Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate, they don't pay. I want nothing to do with Spain," he asserted.
Trump also ordered his aides to halt any negotiations with the European country.
"Cut all business with Spain, please. Including visits. We want nothing to do with them," he expressed.
Furthermore, he claimed that Madrid will end up seeking to resume talks due to the importance of the U.S. market for the Spanish economy.
"We don't have to negotiate with them. I don't want to do any more business with them. Do it immediately. Don't even talk to them. They are desperate," he stated.
Trump intensifies pressure on Pedro Sánchez
The statements come amid repeated criticisms from Trump towards the socialist government of Pedro Sánchez, whom he accuses of not allocating the level of defense spending required by NATO.
The U.S. president reiterated that European allies must take greater responsibility for security and stop relying on the financial and military efforts of the United States.
In that sense, he pointed out that there are "a couple of other" countries with similar problems, although he emphasized that Spain is the most serious case.
"Particularly Spain. They are open about this. They are hostile about this," he declared.
A new point of tension between Washington and Madrid
The statements represent a new escalation in the relationship between Washington and Sánchez's government. Trump made it clear that he intends to use the economic weight of the United States as a pressure tool to demand greater Spanish commitment to the Atlantic alliance.
The president concluded by stating that Spain gains significant trade benefits from its relationship with the United States, but warned that this situation could change if it maintains its stance regarding NATO funding.
"They make a lot of money with us. And we will see that they make a lot less. I don't want to do any business with them," he concluded.
