Trending Now - Spain's Sánchez Defies Trump, Rejects Trade War Threats

WHO:

President Trump

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares

Spanish EU Commissioner Teresa Ribera

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill

French President Emmanuel Macron

European Council President António Costa

Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo

WHAT:

Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain during a meeting with Chancellor Merz on March 3, 2026, stating, “We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

Sánchez condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, calling them “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.”

Albares denied the White House's claim that Spain had agreed to cooperate with U.S. military actions, stating, “Spain's position on the war in the Middle East... has not changed.”

Ribera described Trump's threats as "profoundly disturbing" and emphasized the importance of unity among EU countries.

The EU expressed solidarity with Spain and stated it would protect its interests in trade relations with the U.S.

Spain's exports to the U.S. accounted for 1% of its GDP, totaling 16 billion euros ($18.6 billion).

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs in February 2026.

WHERE:

Spain

Oval Office, Washington D.C.

Rota and Morón installations in southern Spain

EU member states

WHEN:

March 3, 2026: Trump made threats against Spain.

March 4, 2026: Albares denied the White House's claims.

March 4, 2026: Sánchez delivered a televised address.

February 2026: U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.

WHY:

Trump threatened trade sanctions due to Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its military bases for attacks on Iran.

Sánchez's opposition to military intervention aligns with Spain's values and interests.

HOW:

Trump used threats of trade embargoes as a form of punishment.

Spain's government emphasized its commitment to international law and the United Nations framework regarding military operations.

In a tense meeting on March 3, President Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain, declaring, “We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” in response to the country’s refusal to allow U.S. military use of its bases for operations in Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous,” while Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares firmly denied claims from the White House that Spain had agreed to cooperate with these military actions. The European Union expressed solidarity with Spain, emphasizing the importance of protecting its trade interests, especially considering that Spain's exports to the U.S. account for a significant portion of its economy.