Thursday, July 09, 2026

“No spokespersons. No paraphrase. Only what they actually said.”

POLITICS ·UNITED STATES ·July 9, 2026
“"I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits, OK?"”
Donald Trump, President
✦ Summary · July 9, 2026 AI-written summary of the news — not a direct quote

During a NATO summit in Ankara this week, President Donald Trump began by sharply criticizing several allies, including Spain, for what he said was insufficient support for the U.S. war with Iran. In a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump directed his Treasury secretary to halt all commerce and travel with Spain, according to the president's remarks. Later, however, Trump's tone softened; he held a "very cordial" conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and praised the alliance's unity before returning home, though he reiterated a threat to reduce U.S. forces in Europe. The episode underscores the unpredictable approach Trump has taken toward NATO allies, alternating between confrontational statements and conciliatory gestures.

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