Spain and Argentina have sealed their places in the World Cup final, where Donald Trump will present the trophy to the eventual winners.
That could set up an awkward meeting. If Spain come out on top against Argentina at the New York New Jersey stadium on Sunday, the US president will have to crown a nation with whom there is certainly no love lost.
Of all the countries in Europe, Spain is the one Trump most frequently references these days, and it’s never to send kind words across the Atlantic.
But what exactly is Trump’s problem with the Spanish government?
Why Donald Trump doesn’t like Spain
The relationship between the US president and Spain has deteriorated over the course of his second term, but the root of the issue can be traced back to his first stint at the White House.
Trump started implementing tariff policies on trade with Europe back in 2018, with one of the earliest a 30% tariff on Spanish black olives. Despite the Spanish government’s attempts to get him to pull back on the decision, he expanded tariffs to include wine, cheese and olive oil from the region.
That might have played into Spain’s decision to pull out of a 2019 military operation with the US in the Persian Gulf. They did not want to get dragged into a war against Iran.
And seven years later, that stance remains unchanged.
Trump believes England lost because they made Harry Kane defend… do you agree?
If Donald Trump could see it, why couldn't Thomas Tuchel?
Spain, Trump and NATO
Fast forward to Trump’s second term, and the relationship has deteriorated further. Since late last year, the 80-year-old has slammed Spain for their lack of financial contribution to NATO.
1 to 1.3% of Spain’s GDP has traditionally gone to defense, falling short of the 2% target set by NATO. That target was raised to 5% under pressure from Trump, which Spain had no interest in entertaining.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who leads a minority coalition dependent on support from left-wing and regional nationalist parties, can not allow such an increase in military spending — it’s a complex political landscape.
He called Trump’s demands “counterproductive” and claimed it “would cause an economic slowdown and inflationary pressures” at a time when Spain needs sustainable growth.
This led to Trump threatening more heavy tariffs.
Spain say no to Iran War
If Trump was mad about NATO, it was about to get much worse.
When the US-Iran conflict erupted earlier this year, Spain denied the US military permission to use their joint bases at Rota and Moron for offensive strikes against the Iranians.
Sanchez was very vocal in his disapproval of the war, which he described as unjustified. Well, that did it for Trump.
A few weeks ago at a NATO conference in Turkey, he said (via CNBC): “Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate. They don’t pay.
“I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.”
That sounds an awful lot like a breakdown in diplomacy.
We might get an idea of just how tense things are between them this Sunday. Sanchez will be in attendance, as will President Trump. It promises to be a captivating affair with two well-matched sides.
No points for guessing who Trump will be rooting for.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
