ANKARA, Turkey — President Trump threatened Wednesday to cut off “all trade” and tourism with Spain — citing Madrid’s refusal to boost military spending and its restrictions on US military operations during the Iran war.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump declared during a press availability with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want to have anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits… Watch them come running back,” he said.
US President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO leaders summit at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, Turkey, July 8, 2026. REUTERS“We don’t have to trade with them. I don’t want to do any more trade with them, alright? Immediately. Don’t talk to them, they’re hopelessly bad people.”
Trump added: “Let’s see how hostile they remain when they call up and they, ‘Please, please. We want to trade with you, sir. We want to trade with you, sir.’ They make so much money with us and we’re going to see that they make a lot less. I want no business with them.

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