Recently, the relationship between Spain and the United States (US) has deteriorated. Both nations are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Previously, Spain and the US had a strong relationship. During Joe Biden’s Presidency, the US and Spain strongly supported Ukraine against Russia.
One of the reasons for the deterioration of the relationship between Spain and the US is the political beliefs of the two countries’s leaders. US President Donald Trump leans more towards the right on the political spectrum, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez leans more towards the left on the political spectrum.
Both Trump and Sanchez have criticized each other, particularly over the Iran War. Sanchez has heavily criticized the War in Iran and claims that the US violated International Law. Spain also banned US aircraft being used for the Iran War from entering its airspace.
In response, Trump has threatened to cut all trade with Spain and has criticized Spain for having low defense spending.
Additionally, there was conflict between the two countries around the US’s intervention in Venezuela. Before a joint EU statement was issued, Sanchez criticized the intervention.
Furthermore, Spain and the US have had different stances on the Ukraine conflict. While Trump has sought peace in Ukraine and criticized Putin, he has been reluctant to impose penalties on Russia and has been open to a peace plan that would allow Russia to annex parts of Ukraine. Spain has been more supportive of Ukraine, including sending US military equipment and 817 million Euros as of November 2025.
While this has not led to direct conflict between Spain and the US, it has led to a split on foreign policy from both the US and Spain previously supporting Ukraine.
Image courtesy of ChatGPT.
