Santiago Abascal, president of the far-right party Vox, said allies should not be attacked or treated as vassals after Donald Trump criticized Giorgia Meloni.
The statement highlights growing friction between right-wing nationalist leaders in Europe and the U.S. administration, despite shared ideological roots. It suggests that national sovereignty remains a priority for European leaders even when dealing with strategic partners.
Abascal said to the media during a press event in Andújar, Spain, on April 16, 2026 [1]. The remarks came during the pre-campaign period for the Andalusian regional elections, which were scheduled for May 17, 2026 [1].
Responding to disparaging remarks made by the U.S. president toward the Italian prime minister, Abascal defended Meloni's leadership. He described her as a brave woman and emphasized that international partnerships require mutual respect, rather than submission [1].
"Es una mujer valiente y a los aliados no hay que atacarlos," Abascal said [1].
Abascal said that "a los aliados no hay que atacarlos," signaling that the Spanish party views the treatment of European heads of state as a critical issue for the continent [1]. The Vox leader's intervention positions his party as a defender of European autonomy against perceived American dominance—a recurring theme in his political rhetoric.
The timing of the comments coincides with a period of high political activity in Spain as parties prepare for regional contests [1]. By aligning himself with Meloni, Abascal strengthens his ties to the broader European nationalist movement while distancing himself from the specific tactics used by the U.S. president.
“A los aliados no hay que atacarlos”
This incident underscores a tension within the global right-wing populist movement. While Vox and Giorgia Meloni share similar nationalist goals with Donald Trump, the insistence that allies not be treated as 'vassals' shows that European nationalists will prioritize national dignity and sovereignty over blind loyalty to U.S. leadership.
