US Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker stated on Wednesday that President Trump is disappointed with Spain over base access during Operation Epic Fury and military spending.
Whitaker spoke at a press conference on July 1 2026 and clarified that he does not expect a clash between Trump and Pedro Sánchez at the summit to be held on July 7 and 8 in Ankara.
The diplomat noted that Washington values military capabilities more than spending itself and that Spain met The Hague commitments in that regard. He added that the United States will apply rewards or punishments according to compliance with defense objectives.
Whitaker rejected protection clauses in European defense initiatives and called for greater industrial consolidation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed confidence in European coordination ahead of the meeting.
