President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain following the country's refusal to allow the United States to use Spanish air bases for operations against Iran. The announcement came during a White House press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, where Trump was joined by the German chancellor.
"Some European countries, like Spain, have been terrible. I have told (Treasury Secretary) Scott Bessent to cut off all trade with Spain," Trump stated during the press briefing. The threat follows Spain's decision to deny the US access to its air bases during recent attacks against Iran.
Some European countries, like Spain, have been terrible. I have told (Treasury Secretary) Scott Bessent to cut off all trade with Spain
Trump also criticized Spain for opposing his proposal to require all NATO countries to allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense spending. "And now they have said that we cannot use their bases. We can use them if we want. We can fly there and use them. No one can tell us not to use them," the president added.
The trade threat represents a significant escalation in tensions between the US and one of its European allies, coming amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East. Trump's comments also included criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the same press conference.
And now they have said that we cannot use their bases. We can use them if we want. We can fly there and use them. No one can tell us not to use them