The remarks were made during a meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a day after the United States and Iran reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding.
Trump also singled out the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, arguing they had let Washington down during the six-week conflict. "Spain is a horror show. Spain is terrible. I was disappointed with Italy. I was disappointed with the UK. We were disappointed with Germany and France. We’re disappointed with most of them," he stated.
The Spanish government had refused to allow American forces to use the jointly operated Rota naval base and Moron airbase for operations against Iran, stating it breached international law.
The U.S. leader accused allies of wanting a "free ride" and of being unwilling to contribute to collective security, though he insisted Washington had no need for help to defeat Tehran.
“"I know there have been isolated cases about which you are really disappointed. But generally speaking, your European allies have been there."
Rutte sought to downplay the friction without directly contradicting Trump, pointing to the role European bases played in the campaign.
