Trump also claimed he had the legal authority to halt “everything having to do with Spain” — including bilateral trade — arguing that such a step would protect U.S. national and economic security.
In his remarks, he suggested that Spain’s leadership was deficient and that, in contrast, some other European allies were cooperating more fully with U.S. objectives.
The president’s comments included criticism not just of Spain but also of its stance on NATO defense spending. Trump noted Spain’s refusal to commit to higher defense spending targets — a position that Madrid has defended based on its current fiscal and strategic priorities.
