The Spanish Prime Minister's Office said Wednesday that it regards President Trump's directive to halt trade with Spain as 'business as usual' and does not intend to change relations. The office noted that the same order was given in March without effect, and that trade is conducted by private companies, not governments. The response comes minutes after initial reports of Trump's order, according to N12.
The Spanish Prime Minister's Office responded Wednesday to President Donald Trump's reported directive to halt trade with Spain, calling it 'business as usual' and noting that the same order was given in March without effect. The office emphasized that trade between the two countries is conducted by private companies, not governments, and that Spain's trade deficit with the US means the relationship is beneficial. The response comes 13 minutes after initial reports of Trump's order, which were first reported by N12.
As The Zioneer reported at 14:07, Trump said he ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut all trade ties with Spain over its NATO obligations. The White House has not commented on the Spanish response. The thread shows a rapid escalation: at 11:13, Trump first said he had cut ties with Spain, calling it a 'bad partner' in NATO. Within minutes, he instructed staff to sever all business dealings and called for halting visits, while criticizing Spain's treatment of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Spanish government initially described its reaction as 'calm and normal', and the PM's office dismissed the directive as routine business, affirming strong bilateral ties.
As The Zioneer reported on Wed Jul 1, 17:10 Jerusalem, the US ambassador to NATO said Trump is disappointed with Spain, adding to reports of Washington's frustration with allied cooperation during the Iran war. The current dispute is part of a broader pattern of Trump trade threats, including his recent warning not to renew the USMCA deal with Canada and Mexico, as The Zioneer reported on Thu Jun 11, 07:44 Jerusalem.
It remains unclear whether the Treasury secretary has actually taken any steps to implement the directive, and the White House has not confirmed any action beyond Trump's statement.
8 developments
- StrongSpain's PM office says US ties 'excellent', treats Trump's directive as 'business as usual'
- DevelopingTrump threatens to not renew USMCA trade deal with Canada and Mexico
- DevelopingUS ambassador to NATO: Trump disappointed with Spain
- DevelopingTrump says he is 'disappointed' with Italy, UK, Germany; calls Spain a 'shame show'
Source and signal
- Internal intake