WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Trump expressed his frustration with NATO allies who denied the U.S. access to their military bases for operations against Iran. He announced intentions to “cut off all trade with Spain” and criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating he is “no Winston Churchill.”
During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump grew visibly agitated, directing his ire at America’s European allies. He accused them of inadequate defense spending, a point he has often emphasized.
In remarks to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump stated, “We were prepared to sever all trade ties with Spain. We have no interest in engaging with Spain.”
“Spain has been a significant disappointment,” he continued. “They refused us access to their bases.”
Trump further commented, “Their stance was unfriendly. Spain has nothing to offer us besides wonderful people. While they have great citizens, their leadership leaves much to be desired.”
The President feels justified in his grievances against Spain for a variety of reasons.
Madrid has resisted efforts to increase its defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, as Trump has demanded from NATO member.
And Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the joint US-Israel attack on Iran as “unilateral military action” in violation of international law.
The Sanchez government refused to give the US permission to use bases in the southern cities of Rota and Morón to assist the bombing campaign.
Trump was just as mad at the UK for its initial refusal to allow the US military to use the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia as a base from which to attack Iran.
“This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump said of the Labour prime minister.
“I will say the UK has been very, very uncooperative with that stupid island that they have, that they gave away and took a 100-year lease, having to do with perhaps indigenous people claiming the island,” Trump said of the UK relinquishing Diego Garcia and the wider Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
“They never even saw the island before. What’s that all about? And they ruined relationships. It’s a shame.”
Diego Garcia’s local population was removed by the British in 1971 to make way for military facilities.
The agreement to cede the island to Mauritius in exchange for a 99-year lease to continue to use Diego Garcia is on hold after Trump expressed opposition to the deal.
Starmer originally denied the US permission to use British military bases in its attack on Iran.
He later reversed course Sunday night and agreed to let American forces use bases in England and on Diego Garcia to strike Iran’s ballistic missiles and their storage sites, but not to hit other targets.
The prime minister also had harsh words for Trump on Monday, telling the House of Commons the UK government doesn’t believe in “regime change from the skies.”
