U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off trade with Spain after Madrid barred the United States from using its military bases for operations linked to the conflict in Iran.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump accused Spain of being “terrible” and suggested sweeping economic retaliation.
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“I could tomorrow – or today, even better – stop everything having to do with Spain, all business having to do with Spain,” he told reporters. “We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
It remains unclear whether the administration will act on the threat, or how it would legally implement trade restrictions against a member of the European Union.
Legal and diplomatic questions
Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that the U.S. has the authority to impose an embargo on Spanish imports if national or economic security requires it.
However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer appeared cautious when pressed by the president.
“We’re going to talk about it with you,” Greer said, adding that the Supreme Court had clarified the president’s powers but stopping short of endorsing immediate action.
The White House did not provide further details on how such a move would work in practice.
The European Union’s single market allows goods to move freely among its 27 member states, complicating any attempt to isolate one country without affecting the broader bloc.
Tensions over defence spending
Trump also criticised Spain for resisting his demand that NATO allies raise defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product. Several European countries have indicated they are prepared to increase spending, but Spain has not committed to that level.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently described U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as an “unjustified, dangerous military intervention” that violated international law. Spanish officials subsequently said U.S. forces would not be permitted to use military bases in southern Spain for the operation, citing the United Nations charter.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Trump on Tuesday, noted that Spain is part of the EU and that any trade negotiations with the bloc must include all member states.
Trade ties at stake
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the United States exported about $26bn in goods to Spain in 2025, while importing roughly $21bn. Spain’s top exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals and olive oil.
Trump also criticised the United Kingdom for what he called a lack of cooperation over base access but did not threaten similar trade action.
Whether the latest remarks mark the start of formal trade measures or are intended as political pressure remains uncertain.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 03.03 2026
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