WASHINGTON, July 8 -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday publicly instructed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt trade with Spain, dramatically escalating tensions with one of Washington's NATO allies over defense spending and broader geopolitical disagreements.

Speaking during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump turned to Bessent and issued a direct verbal instruction to stop commercial ties with Spain.

"Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore. I'd like you to cut it out," Trump said. He went further by adding that he wanted all trade and even visits to Spain halted immediately, telling Bessent, "Take it immediately. Don't even talk to them. They're hopeless."

Bes...