Trump demands end to trade with key US ally, calls it a 'wasted cause'

Spain also blocked US use of Rota and Morón bases during Operation Epic Fury strikes against Iran

Morgan Phillips / FOX News  

President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to end U.S. trade with Spain after criticizing the NATO ally for refusing to commit to the alliance's new defense spending target.

Speaking during the NATO summit, Trump repeatedly singled out Spain, calling the country a "wasted cause" and urging an end to trade with one of America's European allies.

"Spain is a wasted cause," Trump said. "We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore, by the way."

The president's comments came after NATO leaders backed a new defense spending benchmark calling on allies to invest 5% of gross domestic product in defense and defense-related expenditures. Spain was the lone member of the alliance to publicly reject committing to the full target, instead negotiating flexibility in how it will meet NATO capability goals.

Trump argued Spain has benefited from the alliance while failing to contribute its fair share. Read more, see photos and video here.