Spain downplays Trump trade embargo threat, PM calls relations 'calm'
Spain has minimized the significance of US President Donald Trump's warning regarding a potential trade halt linked to its defense strategy. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez remarked that following an informal discussion with Trump, there was "absolutely no tension." Sanchez emphasized that Madrid approached the president's remarks with "calm and patience, and a certain sense of normality," highlighting that Spain has previously encountered similar critiques. Although Trump threatened to sever trade ties over defense issues, Madrid maintains that its relations with the US are "calm" and "positive." Miguel Otero-Iglesias from the Elcano Royal Institute noted that the US president cannot arbitrarily disrupt economic relations between nations.
Key facts
- US President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with Spain over its defence policy.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he had an informal chat with Trump after the outburst.
- Sanchez stated there was 'absolutely no tension of any kind' between the two countries.
- The pair discussed the World Cup during their conversation.
- Madrid received Trump's statements with 'calm and patience, and a certain sense of normality'.
- Sanchez noted it was not the first time Spain had faced such criticism from the US.
- Miguel Otero-Iglesias of the Elcano Royal Institute said the US president cannot unilaterally stop economic activity between two countries.
- The trade embargo threat was linked to Spain's defence policy.
Entities
Institutions
- Elcano Royal Institute
Locations
- Spain
- United States
- Madrid
- Washington