US President Donald Trump said Spain risks being 'destroyed' due to the policies of the country's authorities. According to him, the country will turn into ruins because of the influx of migrants. The American leader also criticized Madrid over NATO spending. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing GB News.
"Spain will be destroyed. I have problems with Spain because it doesn't behave very well with regard to NATO and doesn't pay as much as it should," Trump said.
In the original, the American president used the expression 'Spain will be a ruined country,' which can also be translated as 'Spain will become a ruined country.'
Separately, Trump commented on the situation in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa bordering Morocco. The American leader spoke of a massive influx of migrants and called it a 'very sad sight.'
According to Trump, thousands of people are trying to enter Spanish territory through the border. The US president said he had 'never seen anything like it' before.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain for what he considers insufficient defense spending. Tensions between Washington and Madrid have increased after discussions on increasing military spending by NATO countries.
Key aspects of Trump's criticism of Spain
The US president's statement has caused wide resonance internationally. Experts say Trump's words could further strain relations between the US and Spain.
Migrant issue
Trump specifically highlighted the situation in Ceuta. He said thousands of people are trying to enter Spain, calling it a 'very sad sight.' The American president stressed he had never encountered such a situation before.
NATO spending
Trump accused Spain of insufficient funding for NATO. He said the country is not fully meeting its obligations to the alliance.
International reaction
The statement drew mixed reactions in European countries. Some politicians consider Trump's criticism unjustified, while others support his view. However, official Madrid has not yet responded to the statement.
Future of relations
Experts believe the further development of US-Spain relations will depend on negotiations at the NATO summit. Trump's criticism could intensify discussions within the alliance.
Overall, the US president's statement regarding Spain has become a significant event in international relations. Time will tell how the situation develops further.