Spanish government sources said Wednesday that the country is taking President Donald Trump's threat to cut off all trade—over a dispute on defense spending and the Iran war—'calmly and normally'.
Government sources in Spain said Wednesday at 13:22 Jerusalem that Madrid is taking President Donald Trump's threat to sever all trade relations “calmly and normally,” as the diplomatic row escalates. The statement comes less than an hour after The Zioneer reported that the Spanish Prime Minister's Office dismissed Trump's directive, affirming that the deep social, cultural, and economic ties between Spain and the US remain unchanged.
The Zioneer first reported at 11:13 Jerusalem that Trump had said he cut ties with Spain, calling it a “bad partner” in NATO. Minutes later, at 11:13, he escalated to calling for a full trade cut including visits and criticized Spain's treatment of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to Abu Ali Express. Soon after, Trump instructed his staff to sever all business dealings with Spain, describing the country as “hopeless” and “bad people.” At 12:38 Jerusalem, the Spanish PM's Office responded, dismissing the order as “business as usual” and affirming strong bilateral ties. The government's current calm reaction aligns with that earlier dismissal.
The dispute stems from Trump's criticism of Spain's NATO contributions and the broader US-Iran confrontation. Earlier Wednesday, Trump attacked Spain at the NATO summit in Ankara, calling it a “terrible partner” that does not pay its share, as The Zioneer reported at 13:08 Jerusalem. The underlying tension over defense spending and the Iran war continues.
It remains unclear whether Trump's directive will be implemented or if it is a negotiating tactic. No official US confirmation of the reported staff orders has been provided.
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