The White House has claimed that Spain quickly agreed to work with the U.S. military after President Donald Trump criticised the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and warned that Washington could use its bases without needing approval.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, on March 4, told reporters that Madrid responded quickly to the president’s message.
“With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear,” Leavitt said.
“And it’s my understanding, over the past several hours, they’ve agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military. The U.S. military is cooperating with their counterparts in Spain. The president expects all European allies to cooperate in this long-sought-after mission, not just for the United States but also for Europe.”
The comments come after Trump, during a March 3 event at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, strongly criticized Spain for its defense spending and for limiting access to U.S. military bases.
Trump issues warning to Spain
At the meeting, President Trump said Spain had not met its defense spending promises and suggested the U.S. would respond with economic measures.
“Spain has been terrible,” Trump said. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
The president also said Spain had blocked U.S. forces from using its bases but insisted that Washington could still use them if needed.
“Spain actually said that we can’t use their bases. And that’s all right. We don’t want to. We could use their bases if we want. We could just fly in and use it. Nobody is going to tell us not to use it, but we don’t have to,” Trump said.
Spain is home to important U.S. military bases, such as Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base. These bases have supported American operations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for many years under agreements between the two countries and NATO.
Trump also said Spain was the only NATO country refusing to raise its defense spending to 5% of its GDP, a level he said he had asked all European nations to meet.
While criticizing Spain, Trump praised Germany’s leadership. “Germany has been great. He’s been terrific,” Trump said, referring to Merz.
He also praised NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, calling him “fantastic.”
Also Read: Trump Says U.S. Could Use Bases in Foreign Nation “Without Approval” Amid Iran War
Standing next to Trump, Merz strongly supported Washington’s efforts, saying:
“We support the United States and Israel in their efforts to rid the world of this terrible terrorist regime.”
Trump also said he was unhappy with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pointing to problems with the Chagos Islands arrangement. The UK agreed in 2025 to give control of the islands to Mauritius but will lease Diego Garcia for 99 years.
“I’m not happy with the U.K. either,” Trump said, calling the delays in landing access an inconvenience. “It would have been much more convenient landing there as opposed to flying many extra hours.”
Prime Minister Starmer defended the UK’s approach, saying he does not believe “in regime change from the skies.”
Despite the disagreements, the UK government said it would send HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defense destroyer, and helicopters with counter-drone systems to the eastern Mediterranean after a strike on an RAF base in Cyprus.
France steps in
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on March 3 that France would send more military resources to help allies affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Macron said the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle would leave its planned North Atlantic mission and go to the Mediterranean, escorted by frigates and its air wing.
In a pre-recorded TV address, Macron said French forces had already shot down drones “in legitimate self-defense in the very first hours of the conflict to defend the airspace of our allies, who know they can rely on us.”
He added that Rafale fighter jets, air-defense systems, and airborne radar platforms had also been sent to the region.
“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said.
Also Read: France’s Macron Folds Moments After Trump Threatened Spain
The French president said the decision to move the aircraft carrier came after a drone strike damaged the runway at a British air force base in Cyprus. He pointed out that Cyprus is a European Union member and mentioned France’s close partnership with the island.
“This requires our support,” Macron said.
While France, the UK, and Germany did not take part in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that started late last week, they have said they are ready to defend against missile and drone threats.
Macron also stressed France’s view on international law, saying Paris “cannot approve” of the U.S.-Israeli strikes because they happened outside international law. He called for the strikes to end soon and for diplomatic talks to resume.
At the same time, he blamed Iran for developing what he called a dangerous nuclear program and advanced missiles, and for supporting armed groups in the region.
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