Fact Check: Did Trump announce ending trade deal with Spain for Israel?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the United States’ tension with Spain over its stance on the conflict with Iran, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump has announced ending the trade deal with the European nation for Israel, sparking criticisms. Let us analyse the rumors and fact-check the viral claim.

Claim: Trump is ending trade deal with Spain for Israel

According to the viral claim, Trump announced that the US would cut trade ties with Spain for Israel. The claim surfaced as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez positions himself in opposition to US policy involving the conflict in Iran.

The claim has sparked anti-war sentiments and criticisms from social media users who are blaming the Trump administration for fighting a war for the sake of Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel. 

Most reactions indicate that many believe it is true, while a few others claim it is false, sparking speculation.

Fact Check: The claim Trump will do it for Israel is misleading

Although Trump has indeed threatened to halt all trade with Spain, after the country barred the US from using its military bases as part of its operation in Iran, the claim that Trump will do it for Israel is exaggerated. 

There is no evidence that the POTUS specifically mentioned that he would cut trade ties with Spain for the sake of its Middle Eastern ally. 

A fact check by Grok stated, “Trump did threaten to cut all US trade with Spain in March 2026, but it was not 'to aid Israel' or a random demand for Spain to help Israel."

"Spain refused to allow the US to use the Rota and Morón military bases (jointly operated bases) for US operations/strikes related to the conflict with Iran. Trump responded by calling Spain a terrible ally and threatening a trade cutoff.”

Trump threatens trade cutoff with Spain over NATO tensions 

In March, Trump told reporters that Spain had been "terrible" and suggested, "we're going to cut off all trade". "We don't want anything to do with Spain." 

The comment follows amid the existing tensions between the two countries, including over the Spanish government's resistance to Trump's demand for NATO allies to raise their defence spending. 

"I could tomorrow - or today, even better - stop everything having to do with Spain, all business having to do with Spain," Trump said 

Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent both said that they can legally place an embargo on products imported from Spain.