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U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy at a NATO summit on Wednesday after calling for a halt to trade relations with Spain and renewing his push for American control of Greenland, drawing sharp reactions from key allies.
Addressing reporters in Ankara, President Trump criticized Spain’s role within the alliance, accusing Madrid of failing to contribute adequately to collective security efforts and opposing Washington’s military campaign against Iran.
He announced plans to direct U.S. Treasury officials to suspend commercial ties with the European nation.
The comments diverted attention from a gathering that European leaders had intended to use to demonstrate solidarity within the alliance, reinforce backing for Ukraine and highlight increased defence commitments among member states.
Trump described Spain as an unreliable ally and suggested ending economic cooperation, tourism and other exchanges between the two countries.
His remarks came as he reiterated that the recently negotiated truce involving Iran had effectively collapsed.
The U.S. leader appeared alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who has sought to ease tensions between Washington and its partners by emphasizing increased military spending and cooperation among member states.
Despite President Trump’s public criticism, a source familiar with private discussions said his tone during closed-door meetings was less confrontational.
According to the source, President Trump expressed support for maintaining America’s membership in the alliance and reassured leaders of Washington’s continued engagement.
The latest dispute follows months of disagreement between Washington and Madrid.
Spain has resisted U.S. pressure to significantly raise defence expenditures and has declined requests related to support facilities and airspace access during military operations involving Iran.
Responding to President Trump’s comments, the office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said relations between the two countries remain mutually beneficial and dismissed the remarks as part of ongoing political rhetoric.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia took a firmer stance, defending Spain’s commitment to democracy, diplomacy and international cooperation while condemning what she described as coercive tactics.
President Trump also reignited controversy over Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory he has repeatedly argued should fall under U.S. authority because of its strategic importance.
Speaking at the summit, he claimed the Arctic island held greater value for Washington than for Denmark and referenced the country’s occupation during the Second World War as justification for stronger American involvement.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly rejected the suggestion, reaffirming that Greenland remains Danish territory and stressing her government’s commitment to protecting every part of NATO’s domain.
The renewed disputes added fresh strain to an alliance already navigating divisions over defence spending, security priorities and the broader geopolitical fallout from the conflict involving Iran.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong