President Donald Trump disrupted a NATO leaders meeting on Wednesday by insisting the United States sever commercial links with Spain and repeating assertions regarding Greenland that annoyed Denmark another alliance member.

Addressing attendees in Ankara Trump branded Madrid a poor NATO contributor while criticizing fellow members for withholding backing in the Iran conflict and instructing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end all trade with Spain.

His comments which also pronounced the delicate truce with Iran finished cast a shadow over the gathering that European officials had aimed to use for displaying cohesion and aid to Ukraine while concluding disputes that risked fracturing the defense pact.

Trump appeared with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte who worked to ease worries about defense outlays Iran and Greenland and commended the president for highlighting these matters.

The statements also weakened prior messaging that European NATO members had increased military budgets with at least fifty billion dollars in defense plans announced on Tuesday.

Spain Represents a Lost Effort End All Commerce

Washington and Madrid have clashed as Spain rejected Trump requests for larger military expenditures and self funded defense while its government declined to allow US aircraft or bases for operations against Iran.

Spain serves no purpose we seek no commercial dealings with Spain any longer Trump stated incidentally I wish to terminate it Spain performs poorly in NATO they avoid involvement and contributions I desire no association with Spain stop all commerce with Spain even travel.

The office of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded by viewing the remarks as routine and noting that ties between the nations serve mutual interests.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia offered a sharper reply.

We function as an independent democratic nation that upholds multilateral efforts and peace she posted on X what qualifies as poor is mixing diplomacy with coercion.

When questioned about the statements a NATO official remarked the solution to each issue raised by the president remains evident construct a stronger European NATO that is our focus in Ankara.

Following fresh US military actions against Iran that may conclude the shaky truce in a conflict unpopular across Europe Rutte backed the strikes and described Trump frustration with allies as limited instances.

I view what occurred last night as essential it constituted a firm reply Rutte told Trump when a truce exists and Iran violates it I consider a strong US reaction vital.

He further commended Trump for prompting European nations to boost defense spending.

It holds great significance for NATO what you have accomplished and this marks a major success he said.

Rebuke of European States Denying US Forces Access During Fighting

Trump faulted European countries for refusing US forces use of airspace and bases amid the conflict.

European representatives indicated they largely met obligations to US forces even without prior consultation on a war that affected their economies.

Trump further insisted his nation assume control of Greenland a partly autonomous Danish area reviving a topic that strained the alliance central to Western security since the Cold War began.

Greenland holds major value for the United States yet none for Denmark he remarked in fact when Denmark fell to the Nazis in under a day Hitler seized it swiftly they requested our protection of Greenland actually we held Greenland then unwisely returned it.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed that Greenland remains unavailable.

We stand prepared to protect every part of NATO including our territory she stated.