Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Spain during the latest NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, calling the European ally a “wasted cause” and “a terrible partner in NATO.” Trump also said he wants the United States to stop doing trade business with Spain and claimed he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to pursue ending economic ties.
The remarks come as NATO leaders continue discussions on defence spending and collective security amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump Criticizes Spain During NATO Summit In Ankara
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the second day of the summit, Trump discussed his meetings with several alliance members but noted that he had not spoken with Spanish officials.
Referring to Spain, Trump said it had failed to meet his expectations as a NATO ally and questioned its role within the military alliance.
Trump Calls For Ending US Trade With Spain
Trump said he wants the United States to halt trade relations with Spain, describing the country as a poor partner for Washington.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO,” Trump said.
He also stated that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to work toward severing economic ties with Spain.
NATO Defence Spending Remains Central Summit Focus
Trump’s comments came as NATO leaders continued discussions on increasing defence spending and strengthening the alliance’s military capabilities.
The summit has largely focused on encouraging member nations to increase defence budgets, modernize armed forces, and improve collective security in response to ongoing geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine.
Spain Yet To Respond To Trump’s Remarks
As of the latest update, Spanish officials have not publicly responded to Trump’s comments regarding trade or NATO cooperation.
Any move to significantly reduce trade between the United States and Spain would likely require broader policy discussions and could have economic implications for both countries.
Russia-Ukraine War Continues To Shape NATO Agenda
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains one of the alliance’s highest priorities, with NATO members discussing long-term military support, defence investment, and regional security.
Trump’s remarks on Spain added a new point of discussion to a summit otherwise focused on strengthening cooperation among allied nations.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest Update
Donald Trump has called Spain a “terrible partner in NATO” and said he wants the United States to end trade relations with the country. His comments came during the NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders are discussing defence spending and security challenges linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Spain has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s remarks.
