US President Donald Trump has ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all trade with Spain after the country denied access to its military bases for US operations against Iran. During a White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump declared he told Bessent to halt all dealings with Spain, escalating tensions over the NATO ally's refusal to support his military plans.

Trump suggested he has the authority to impose a full embargo on Spanish goods, claiming the country offers little of value to US interests beyond its people. The president has repeatedly criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for not meeting his demand that NATO allies increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Last October, Trump threatened "trade punishment" over the disagreement, and now appears ready to follow through.

Bessent affirmed Trump's legal authority to embargo Spanish goods but stopped short of committing to such action. The threat raises questions about potential economic fallout, as Spain is a significant trading partner within the European Union. Trump also criticized the UK for blocking access to Diego Garcia, though he stopped short of making similar trade threats against London.