President Donald Trump said he wants to “cut off all trade with Spain” over NATO spending, adding “we don’t want anything to do with Spain.” His comments came during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington.
Main Idea: President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain after clashes over NATO spending and the use of U.S.-Spanish bases.
Key Points:
Trade threats with Spain and the EU could raise prices for US shoppers and create more uncertainty for small businesses, workers, and investors.
The Supreme Court ruling may limit broad tariffs, which could reduce sudden trade costs and help protect consumers from some price spikes.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Central actor whose threat to cut off trade with Spain drives the article.
Central trade actor because it negotiates trade deals for Spain and reacts to the threatened cutoff.
Present in the Oval Office meeting and directly responds to Trump’s NATO-spending remarks.
Spain’s foreign minister whose comments on U.S. use of Spanish bases are central to the dispute.
Spain’s prime minister referenced in the government response and broader diplomatic conflict.
The EU executive body says it will protect the bloc’s trade interests and honor the existing deal.
NATO spending commitments are the main policy dispute behind Trump’s threat.
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Sign in to commentU.S. Treasury secretary who comments on embargo authority during the Oval Office meeting.
Its recent ruling is cited as part of Trump’s justification for embargo threats.
Cited as one of the agencies expected to move forward with investigations.
Named as the department that would begin investigations following Bessent’s comments.