Spain stands up to Trump
Pedro Sanchez’s anti-war and pro-immigration views have caused clashes with the US leader.
An episode of the The Global Story podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Spain stands up to Trump" was published on March 9, 2026 and runs 27 minutes.
March 9, 2026 ·27m · The Global Story
Summary
As European leaders have struggled to find a unified response to the US-Israel war in Iran, Pedro Sanchez has stood out as a voice of dissent. He said in a televised address last week: “The position of the government of Spain can be summarised in three words: no to war.” The Spanish Prime Minister and US President have butted heads on many issues; the war in Gaza, immigration and defence spending among them, but in the past week their relationship got even more fiery, with Donald Trump threatening to cut off all trade with Spain. What makes Sanchez willing to stand up to Trump? And will his gamble be worth it? Guy Hedgecoe, a reporter for the BBC based in Madrid, joins us to discuss. Producers: Hannah Moore, Valerio Esposito and Chris Benderev Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a speech during closing ceremony of the 'Spain, Vanguard in the Green Industry', in Madrid, Spain, 08 September 2025. Credit: Daniel Gonzalez/EPA/Shutterstock.
Episode Description
As European leaders have struggled to find a unified response to the US-Israel war in Iran, Pedro Sanchez has stood out as a voice of dissent. He said in a televised address last week: “The position of the government of Spain can be summarised in three words: no to war.”
The Spanish Prime Minister and US President have butted heads on many issues; the war in Gaza, immigration and defence spending among them, but in the past week their relationship got even more fiery, with Donald Trump threatening to cut off all trade with Spain. What makes Sanchez willing to stand up to Trump? And will his gamble be worth it?
Guy Hedgecoe, a reporter for the BBC based in Madrid, joins us to discuss.
Producers: Hannah Moore, Valerio Esposito and Chris Benderev Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins
Photo: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a speech during closing ceremony of the 'Spain, Vanguard in the Green Industry', in Madrid, Spain, 08 September 2025. Credit: Daniel Gonzalez/EPA/Shutterstock.