Donald Trump calls Spain "a terrible partner in NATO" and threatens to halt commerce

During a July 8 NATO summit, former President Donald Trump threatened to halt all commerce with Spain, calling the country “a terrible partner in NATO” for allegedly not contributing enough. According to an analysis of the incident, the threat was largely symbolic: trade policy is an EU matter, the U.S. runs a goods surplus with Spain, and within a day Trump claimed Spain had reversed course and promised more funding—though whether Madrid actually conceded remains disputed. The episode reflects the broader pattern of U.S. trade brinkmanship as Washington simultaneously escalates tariffs on Canada, pursues bilateral talks with Mexico, and rebuilds tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, signaling that trade tensions remain a key focus despite global distractions.