Donald Trump has launched a furious attack on NATO ally Spain, ordering officials to cut trade ties with Madrid as he accused the country of failing to support the alliance — while declaring the Iran ceasefire “over”.
The US President delivered the extraordinary warning during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where he renewed his criticism of allies over defence spending.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Mr Trump ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end trade with Spain.
“We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said.
“By the way, I’d like you to cut it up. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
He added: “Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits. I don’t want to do any more trade with them. Take it immediately.”
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The comments mark a dramatic escalation in Trump’s long-running criticism of NATO members that fail to meet his demands on defence spending.
Trump has repeatedly accused European allies of relying too heavily on the United States for their security while contributing too little financially.
At the summit, he said he planned to raise his concerns with NATO leaders, including disputes over defence spending and Greenland.
“Greenland is a big problem for us,” he said, repeating his view that the Arctic territory — currently part of NATO ally Denmark — should become part of the United States.
Despite Trump’s criticism, NATO chief Mark Rutte insisted Washington remained fully committed to the alliance.
“There is complete commitment from the United States to NATO,” Rutte said.
He added that European allies and Canada were expected to increase their defence spending to match US levels, arguing it was “fair”.
The President also delivered a stark warning over Iran, saying the fragile ceasefire had collapsed following renewed strikes in the Middle East.
“I think it is over,” Trump said.
“I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum.”
He accused Tehran of dishonesty and said negotiations were no longer worthwhile.
“I’ll speak to our negotiators, they want to negotiate, they’re good people. But as far as I’m concerned it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars.”
Trump added: “They’re cuckoo. As far as I’m concerned it’s over.”
Trump also criticised Britain after claiming the UK initially refused a US request to use bases during military operations against Iran.
“The United Kingdom wouldn’t let us use the island for two weeks, so we had to fly back,” he told Rutte.
The comments came as Trump prepared for further discussions with NATO leaders, with tensions over defence spending, Iran and Greenland dominating the summit.
The extraordinary confrontation risks deepening tensions within the alliance at a critical moment, with NATO members facing pressure to strengthen their defences amid growing concerns over Russia.
Rutte attempted to reassure allies that the US remained committed to NATO, pointing to the strategic importance of cooperation in protecting both Europe and North America.
But Trump’s latest threats against Spain and renewed attacks on allies highlight the growing divisions over money, military commitments and America’s role in the alliance.