TRUMP ORDERS US TO SEVER ALL TRADE WITH SPAIN

Donald Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to terminate all economic ties between the United States and Spain during a press conference at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Trump described Spain as a "wasted cause" and "a terrible partner in NATO". His directive followed Spain's refusal to adopt NATO's new spending goal of 5 per cent of GDP by 2035. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had secured an exemption that capped Spain's contribution at 2.1 per cent of GDP.

The Spanish Prime Minister's office responded to Trump's comments by characterising them as "business as usual". The office affirmed that Spain's social, cultural and economic ties with the United States would remain unchanged. Trump has previously criticised Spain on 24 June, when he called the country a "horror show" and "terrible" for declining to support military action against Iran. Trump also stated during the NATO summit that a memorandum of understanding with Iran to end conflict was terminated, and said he no longer wished to engage with Tehran, describing its leadership as "sick people" following new U.S. military strikes.

The statement from Spain's government office represented the formal diplomatic response to Trump's announcement. The timing coincided with ongoing NATO discussions regarding defence spending commitments from member states. No confirmation has been reported regarding whether Treasury Secretary Bessent has begun implementing Trump's directive to sever economic relations with Spain.