President Donald Trump lashed out at key U.S. allies Thursday, blasting Spain as a “loser” and criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for failing to fully back the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
In a phone interview with The New York Post, Trump accused Spain of undermining NATO and said the United Kingdom had been “very disappointing” in its support of Washington’s war effort.
“We have a lot of winners, but Spain is a loser, and UK has been very disappointing,” Trump said.
Trump singled out Spain for opposing NATO’s push for members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense — a benchmark he has aggressively pushed allies to adopt.
“They don’t pay their — they’re the only one that voted against the 5% payment, and they’re very hostile to everyone,” the president said. “Not a team player, and we’re not going to be a team player with Spain either.”
The comments underscore growing tensions inside NATO as Washington presses allies to contribute more to collective defense.
Trump also vented frustration with Starmer, particularly over Britain’s refusal to allow the United States to use certain UK military bases in the American and Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iran.
“It was very disappointing — his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation,” Trump said. “He should be giving us, without question or hesitation, things like bases where we can use others.”
When asked about reports he had privately called Starmer a “loser,” Trump stopped short of repeating the insult but took a jab at the British leader’s wartime leadership.
“Well, he’s not Winston Churchill, let me put it that way,” Trump said, repeating a line he had used earlier in the week.
Despite the criticism, Trump said his relationship with the British prime minister remained cordial.
“I get along with him fine,” Trump said. “But he sometimes doesn’t do things that he should be doing.”
The remarks highlight the strain on longstanding transatlantic alliances as the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran expands and Washington presses allies to more visibly support the effort.
More over at The New York Post:
Trump goes off on 'loser' Spain, tells The Post UK's Keir Starmer should help with Iran 'without question': 'Very disappointing' https://t.co/7efRgriOag pic.twitter.com/P3gbn2NORc
— New York Post (@nypost) March 5, 2026