President Donald Trump attacked Spain during the opening of his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance's summit in Ankara on Wednesday, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan. Trump called Spain a 'terrible partner' that does not pay its NATO contributions and said he intends to cut trade relations and mutual visits with the country.
President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Spain during the opening of his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance's summit in Ankara on Wednesday, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan. Trump called Spain a 'terrible partner' that does not pay its NATO contributions and said he intends to cut trade relations and mutual visits.
The remarks follow a statement by Trump at 12:50 Jerusalem time, in which he said he would not do business with Spain and called the country 'hopeless' and 'bad people,' as reported by The Zioneer. That earlier statement was also made on the sidelines of the summit.
Over the past two weeks, Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending, targeting Spain, Italy, the UK, and Germany, as The Zioneer has reported. The latest comments come amid ongoing tensions between the US and European allies over trade and defense burden-sharing.
The summit is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether Trump's threat to cut trade ties will be implemented, as such measures would require congressional approval.
5 developments
- StrongTrump renews trade halt threat against Spain; Madrid unfazed, notes March order had no effect
- DevelopingMeloni says Italy-US relations must return to normal track, downplays rift with Trump
- DevelopingTrump says ties with Netanyahu are 'excellent,' denies frustration
- StrongMarco Rubio says US relations with Oman 'fine', dismisses Hormuz toll system
Source and signal
- Internal intake