US Treasury Secretary Bessent accuses Spain of putting ‘American lives at risk’
politico.eu • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported President Trump's threat to halt trade with Spain, accusing Madrid of endangering American lives by barring U.S. use of military bases to attack Iran.
- Spain refused to allow the U.S. to use the Morón de la Frontera and Rota air bases for operations against Iran, leading Trump to threaten trade cuts and an embargo.
- A 1953 agreement gives Spain authority over the use of U.S. forces on its soil, which the Trump administration may cite to justify imposing tariffs on Spain.
- Bessent criticized Spain for not meeting NATO spending commitments and labeled the Spanish government as "terrible actors" and "free riders" on defense costs.
