04.09.2026 09:50
US President Donald Trump harshly targeted Spain over its immigration policy, arguing that the country would be "destroyed" because of it. Trump also criticized the Madrid government for its approach to NATO defense spending and for not supporting US operations against Iran.
US President Donald Trump made statements that will further escalate the recent tensions between Spain and Washington. Targeting Spain's immigration policy, Trump claimed that the country would face serious consequences if it maintains its current approach.
"SPAIN WILL BE DESTROYED"
Trump drew particular attention to the mass migrant crossings through Ceuta, Spain's territory in North Africa. The US President criticized the arrival of large numbers of migrants in the region in a short period, arguing that these events pose a major risk to the country's future.
Trump used the phrase, "Spain will be a destroyed country," asserting that if the migrant influx is not brought under control, the country will face severe consequences.
The US President described the events in Ceuta as "very sad to watch," arguing that a migrant movement of this scale could change the country's fabric.
ALSO PRESSED ON NATO
Trump's criticisms of Spain were not limited to immigration policy. The US President also expressed his discomfort with the Madrid government's approach to defense spending within NATO.
Trump, who asks NATO members to allocate more resources to defense, argued that Spain does not take on responsibility to the same extent as other allies.
The Madrid government, for its part, opposes evaluating defense spending solely by its ratio to gross domestic product and states that it will provide the necessary military capacity for NATO.
IRAN ISSUE PITTED THE TWO COUNTRIES AGAINST EACH OTHER
Another significant point of disagreement between Washington and Madrid was military operations against Iran.
The Spanish government refused to provide direct support for US operations against Iran. Madrid's stance on allowing the use of military bases in the country and Spanish airspace in these operations drew the reaction of the Trump administration.
Trump had therefore previously criticized the Spanish government with harsh words.
TRUMP HAD TARGETED SPAIN BEFORE
The US President had previously expressed on many occasions his criticisms of Spain regarding defense spending in NATO. Arguing that Madrid does not sufficiently fulfill its obligations within the alliance, Trump claimed that the country's attitude is unfair to other NATO members.
The Spanish government, however, states that it will maintain its commitment to NATO membership and the alliance's collective defense but will pursue its own policy regarding defense spending and military operations against Iran.
With Trump's latest statement, tensions on the Washington-Madrid line rose to the top of the agenda once again due to immigration, NATO spending, and Iran operations.