Trump Disappointed with Spain Over Base Veto
Trump is disappointed with Spain for denying U.S. forces access to military bases and airspace during operations against Iran and for failing to meet NATO's defense spending target.
According to Brussels Signal, ambassador Matt Whitaker told reporters that the President is unhappy with the Spanish government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over its denial of access to the Rota and Morón bases in southern Spain during the American campaign against Iran, designated Operation Epic Fury.
Whitaker also cited Madrid’s refusal to allow the use of Spanish airspace for the military operation and linked these restrictions to Spain’s continued failure to outline a realistic trajectory toward meeting NATO’s defence spending target of 5 per cent of gross domestic product.
NATO Summit Looms as Alliance Pressure Builds
The ambassador’s comments come just days before the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, the first major gathering since all 32 allies agreed at The Hague in 2025 to increase their defence budgets toward the new 5 per cent benchmark.
When asked whether Trump would announce punitive measures against Spain at the upcoming summit, Whitaker downplayed the likelihood of immediate reprisals but warned that Washington is preparing steps against allies that fail to meet the spending commitment. He did not elaborate on what form those measures might take.
The ambassador suggested that nations meeting their obligations should receive preferential treatment in bilateral relations with the United States, including enhanced access to American leadership, priority in arms procurement, and favoured status in contract awards. However, he stressed that such incentives would not excuse any ally from fulfilling the commitments they had signed.
Other European Allies Also Under Scrutiny
Spain is not the only NATO member facing American displeasure. Whitaker confirmed that Trump is also dissatisfied with other European allies that refused to make bases available during the Iran campaign, as Brussels Signal reports.
He singled out Germany, Poland, and the Nordic and Baltic states as strong performers on defence spending and cooperation, while cautioning that other members are lagging either through insufficient investment or the absence of a credible spending roadmap.
Madrid Defends Sovereignty and Questions Spending Target
The Spanish government has stood by its sovereign right to determine which military operations can be supported from its territory. Madrid has also challenged the necessity of reaching exactly 5 per cent of GDP, asserting that the capabilities it already contributes to the alliance should be taken into account.
Whitaker responded by stating that he expects all allies, Spain included, to honour the pledges made at The Hague summit.
The diplomatic friction comes as the United States seeks greater burden-sharing within NATO amid heightened global tensions and ongoing military operations in the Middle East.
With information from Brussels Signal
