Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a tough stance against former U.S. President Donald Trump over plans to impose higher trade tariffs on the European Union. Sánchez publicly urged Trump to drop what he described as "senseless" tariffs.
In a post on his official X account, Sánchez called on the U.S. government to "reconsider and engage in constructive dialogue, or else we Europeans will have to defend ourselves. We don’t want a trade war, but we are ready for one."
According to Europa Press, Sánchez also said his government is committed to supporting the domestic economy against the potential fallout from Trump’s proposed tariffs. He emphasized that the EU is capable of finding alternatives and responding to what he called the "nonsense" of the Trump administration.
While Sánchez’s remarks were praised by Spain’s left-wing parties, particularly those allied with his government, they raised concerns among right-wing factions—especially the far-right Vox party, which sees the move as risky.
Two days ago, a heated exchange took place in the Spanish Parliament between Sánchez and Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox. Sánchez accused Abascal of "betrayal" for not condemning Trump’s tariff plans against Spain and the broader EU.
Sánchez strongly criticized Abascal’s claim that any tariffs imposed by Trump would be because the former U.S. president "doesn’t like Sánchez." The Prime Minister responded that Trump’s actions are aimed at the entire EU, not just Spain.
Vox has made clear efforts to maintain strong ties with Trump’s circle. The party recently took part in a global right-wing gathering hosted by Elon Musk on behalf of Trump’s team, aimed at building alliances among conservative parties. Abascal himself has met with Trump and expressed admiration for his policies.
Over the past few years, Vox has repeatedly stressed the need for close relations with Washington to counter what it sees as a growing U.S.-Morocco alliance. Party figures have argued that strained ties between Madrid and Washington have opened the door for Morocco to strengthen its position with the U.S.—a development they view as a threat to Spain.
Now, Spain’s right fears Sánchez’s confrontational tone could further damage relations with Washington and push the U.S. even closer to Morocco, Spain’s strategic rival in North Africa.
Vox has previously accused Sánchez of failing to build strong ties with the Trump and Biden administrations. And with tensions rising again over tariffs, hopes for improved relations under a potential second Trump presidency seem increasingly remote.
