It started with Spain saying no to the US military using its bases.
It started with Spain saying no to the US military using its bases. It escalated into Trump ordering his Treasury Secretary to cut off an entire country's trade.
On March 3, 2026, during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump threatened to end all trade with Spain. He directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings" with the country, citing Spain's refusal to let the US military use its Rota and Morón air bases for strikes on Iran.
Spain had blocked use of the bases, saying the operations fell outside the UN Charter and its bilateral agreement with the US. The US relocated 15 aircraft from the two bases after Madrid's decision. Trump also criticized Spain for being the only NATO country that refused to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Bessent said he would instruct the Trade Representative and Commerce Department to investigate how to penalize Spain. No formal trade action has been taken yet.

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