Spain remained composed following US President Donald Trump’s directive on July 8, 2026, to halt all trade with the country. Trump described Spain as a “wasted cause” and referred to its people as “hopeless, bad people” during comments made ahead of a NATO leaders’ meeting in Ankara. This marked the second time Trump issued such a trade threat against Spain since March.
However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reassured the public during a media briefing that relations with the United States remain constructive. He noted that he had an informal conversation with Trump, stating, “there was absolutely no tension of any kind,” and mentioned that they discussed the World Cup.
Sanchez also highlighted that Madrid received the US president’s statements with “calm and patience, and a certain sense of normality,” emphasizing that Spain has faced similar criticisms before. Unlike many European Union countries, Spain runs a trade deficit with the United States.
Madrid continues to stress the positive nature of its relationship with Washington despite the recent tensions.
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