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Trump takes aim at 'wasted cause' Spain and revives Greenland claim at Nato summit
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump criticized Spain, calling it a "wasted cause" and a "terrible partner in NATO," and threatened to cut off all trade relations with the country.
- Trump also reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, labeling NATO's opposition to the plan as a significant problem for the US, despite firm denials from Greenland and Danish leaders.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez downplayed tensions, describing his interaction with Trump as friendly and emphasizing the positive state of US-Spain relations, supported by calm responses from Madrid officials.
- Trump's grievances with Spain stem from its refusal to allow US military base use for Iran-related missions and its defense spending, which remains at 2% of GDP, below Trump's desired 5%.
- The European Union backed Spain, highlighting the deeply integrated and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US, and reaffirmed that decisions about Greenland rest with Greenlanders and Danes.
