US: Trump Doubles Down On Criticism Of Spain, UK
In an interview with the New York Post, US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his criticism of Spain and the United Kingdom for their lack of support in the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Trump said, “We have a lot of winners, but Spain is a loser, and UK has been very disappointing."
- Trump continued, "[Spain is] very hostile to NATO. ... They're the only one that voted against the 5% payment, and they’re very hostile to everyone,” referring to NATO's 5% of GDP to defence contribution commitment.
- Trump added that Spain is “Not a team player, and we’re not going to be a team player with Spain either,” but the report doesn't detail any potential measures Trump could take.
- On the UK, Trump reiterated that UK Prime Minister is "not Winston Churchill," and said, “It was very disappointing — his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation," adding: "We should [be able to] certainly count on them."
- Trump's comments are likely to further inflame trade tensions, with the European Union recalibrating the terms of an EU-US trade deal that has been frozen in the wake of last month's Supreme Court ruling. Earlier today, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the 27-nation bloc is “completely in alignment” on trade in response the US-Spain tensions.
- Bloomberg notes that if Trump "actually tries to follow through on his [Spain] embargo threat, it would raise significant questions given the EU operates as a unified trading bloc."
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US: Johnson Confident There Will Be No GOP Defections On Vote To End Shutdown
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has told reporters that he doesn’t expect any Republican ‘no’ votes when the funding package to reopen the government comes up for a vote on the floor shortly. Punchbowl reports on X that the House will vote on the rule at approximately 11:15 ET 16:15 GMT, confirming our earlier bullet (US: First Procedural Vote On Govt Funding Package Expected At 11:15 ET 16:15 GMT) If the rule vote carries, the package will be on a glide path to final passage at roughly 13:00 ET 18:00 GMT.
- Johnson said at a presser ahead of the House proceedings that he didn’t agree with the decision but, “The President agreed with [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer [D-NY] that they would separate [The Department of Homeland Security bill from a broader six-bill funding package].” He adds, “We’re going to pass the rule today. It was never in doubt to me.”
- Johnson notes that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) informed him over the weekend that Democrats “would not be assisting in this endeavour,” necessitating some last-minute wrangling with House conservatives to assure the rule is adopted, advancing the measure to a vote on final passage.
- When the package is passed, it will be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk to formally end the short government shutdown.
US TSY OPTIONS: Large Apr'26 30Y Call Sales
-16,000 USJ6 121 calls, 9 ref 114-13, after paper -14.2k USJ6 120 calls earlier
