U.S. President Donald Trump made harsh statements toward allies at the NATO summit in Ankara. At the summit, Trump particularly targeted Spain, describing the country as 'a terrible partner in NATO' and ordering Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end trade ties between the two countries.
Trump's move came after Spain's decision in March not to allow the U.S. to use joint bases and airspace for military operations against Iran. The Madrid government stated that it considered Trump's latest remarks as routine and announced it had no intention of changing its 'excellent' relations with Washington.
Spain emphasizes EU trade bloc
The office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that the country runs a trade deficit with the U.S. and that economic relations are determined more by private companies than governments. The statement emphasized that Spain is part of the European Union customs union and that individual member states cannot be targeted. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said they expect the U.S. to fulfill its commitments under the joint trade declaration signed last year.
Insists on Greenland demand
While expressing his discomfort with Europe's stance on Iran at the summit, Trump also did not give up his claim over Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. 'Greenland is a big problem for us. We need it not only for the protection of the U.S. but for the world,' Trump said, drawing attention to the island's strategic importance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the U.S. and Denmark will continue to discuss the possibility of increasing the American military presence in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had previously stated firmly that Greenland is 'not for sale.' EU spokesperson Gill also said, 'Decisions about Greenland's future belong to the Greenlanders and the Danes.'
One of the main agenda items of the summit was defense spending. Washington's NATO allies want to use the meeting in Ankara as an opportunity to soothe Trump's anger over Iran and to show they are fulfilling their promises to increase defense budgets. Trump argued that the U.S. is spending 'disproportionately' within the Alliance to protect Europe from Russia and that this is 'not fair.'
