Trump threatens Spain with trade cuts and insists on Greenland at NATO summit

US President Donald Trump expressed strong discontent with NATO during a summit in Ankara, Turkiye on July 8, 2026. He criticized Spain’s role within the alliance and reiterated his desire for the US to acquire Greenland, highlighting tensions over NATO's response to various geopolitical issues.

Trump's Criticism of NATO and Spain

During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, "I’m very upset with NATO" regarding its handling of Greenland and its lack of support against Iran, labeled as the "number one state sponsor of terror." He specifically called out Spain, declaring it a "terrible partner in NATO" and suggested cutting off trade ties.

Trump's remarks follow Spain’s decision to deny the US military access to its bases for operations against Iran, which he described as a betrayal. In response, Trump urged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever trade relations with Spain, claiming, "Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore."

Spain's Response to Trump's Threats

The office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded to Trump’s comments by treating them as "business as usual" and emphasized the strong economic ties with the US, which are primarily driven by private companies rather than government policies. Spain noted that it currently has a trade deficit with the US.

Furthermore, the European Union reiterated its expectation that the US will honor its trade agreements. Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the European Commission, stated, "We signed a joint statement with the US last year. We expect the US to honor its commitments under that joint statement, as we have honored ours."

Trump's Continued Interest in Greenland

Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump remains fixated on acquiring Greenland, calling it a "big problem for us." He emphasized its strategic importance, saying, "We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States… It doesn’t help Denmark, but it helps us."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the notion of selling Greenland, stating it is "not for sale." Rutte confirmed that the US and Denmark would continue discussions about expanding the US presence on the Arctic island.

As NATO allies meet in Ankara, they aim to mitigate Trump's frustrations over Iran and demonstrate their commitment to increasing defense spending to support the alliance.