Madrid said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump had softened his rhetoric on Spain hours after threatening to halt trade with the Nato ally, because he had been made aware of a surge in Madrid's contributions to the alliance in recent years.

US President Trump announced a halt to all trade with Spain. He cited Spain as a poor partner within the NATO alliance. The U.S. leader expressed frustration with Spain's…

The US president had already threatened in March to take economic reprisals against Spain after Moncloa blocked the use of the Rota and Morón bases for Washington’s bombing…

Donald Trump calls Spain a ‘terrible partner’