08.07.2026 12:20
The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara was marked by US President Donald Trump's harsh criticism of member countries. Targeting Spain, Trump said, "Spain is a hopeless case. It is a bad partner in NATO."
The critical NATO summit in the capital, where global security was on the table, was shaken by unusually harsh statements from US President Donald Trump. Trump, who targeted some allies over financial obligations and responsibility sharing within the alliance, directed his harshest reaction at Spain.
"SPAIN IS A HOPELESS CASE, A BAD PARTNER"
In his speech during the summit, Trump strongly criticized Spain's position and financial contributions within the alliance, targeting the Madrid government with harsh words. The US President's bombshell remarks were as follows:
"Spain is a hopeless case. A bad partner in NATO. I don't want to do anything with them. We should no longer carry them on our backs. I am not at all satisfied with Spain."
THREAT TO CUT TRADE
Stepping up his criticism and moving the issue to economic and trade relations, Trump threatened to sever trade ties with Spain. Arguing that other allies were taking responsibility but Spain was not paying its dues, Trump signaled an embargo with these words:
"I will immediately cut trade with Spain, won't even talk to them. Because everyone is taking responsibility, putting their shoulder to the wheel, but Spain doesn't even pay. But now they will say 'we want to trade with you, open trade routes for us,' but we will not trade with them in any way. We have not been treated fairly."