Trump threatens Spain trade halt before claiming NATO unity
US President Donald Trump sparked sharp diplomatic friction at Wednesday's NATO summit by demanding an end to trade with Spain and reviving claims over Greenland, before abruptly shifting tone to praise the alliance's unity.
Trump labeled Madrid a "terrible partner" for its refusal to support military operations against Iran and instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt commercial exchanges with the country.
"Spain is a lost cause. We no longer want to do business with Spain. I want to break ties. They do not participate, they do not pay. All trade, including visits, should be stopped," Trump stated, according to Reuters.
Shift toward unity and Ukrainian missile deal
Following a closed-door session, Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone, telling reporters there was "a lot of unity in that room."
He also signaled stronger support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announcing plans to grant Kyiv a license to manufacture Patriot missiles locally.
European leaders reject US pressure
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described his exchange with Trump as "friendly." However, Health Minister Mónica García offered a sharper rebuke, stating that Spain is a sovereign nation and warning against confusing diplomacy with bullying.
Trump also reopened debate over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, asserting that the island remains vital to US security interests while alleging that Denmark failed to manage it historically.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly rejected the claims, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale. French President Emmanuel Macron also dismissed the proposal, emphasizing that NATO allies do not target one another's territory.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
