…threatens ‘we’ll cut all ties with them’
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has said that his country will cut every tie with Spain because the NATO ally refused to let America use its two bases in southern Spain to attack Iran.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump told reporters that Spain has been problematic.
He also said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to stop all business dealings with Spain.
He said, “We’re going to stop all trade with Spain. We don’t want any connection with Spain.”
Trump’s warning came just a few hours after Spain’s foreign minister said there is not much chance of any revenge actions being taken.
José Manuel Albares told reporters after Tuesday’s weekly cabinet meeting that the bases, which are Spanish sovereign bases, are used together with the US under the treaty between Spain and the United States.
He explained that these bases can be used within the framework of the treaty, and this is done while maintaining Spain’s sovereignty.
“So, there’s nothing unusual or unexpected about this, and we don’t expect any effects or outcomes,” he said.
He also mentioned that Washington did not ask to use the bases in Rota and Morón.
He also said he has not had any talks with any US representatives and has not made any requests about it.
Trump again criticized Spain for not agreeing to NATO’s plan that requires member countries to spend 5% of their GDP on defense. He said that everyone was excited about it, including Germany, but Spain did not take part.
“Now Spain said we can’t use their bases, and that’s okay. We could use their bases; if we wanted, we could just fly in and use them. No one is going to stop us from using it. But we don’t have to. But they were unfriendly.”
