Trump settles score with Sánchez: 'Spanish government refuses to defend its sovereignty'

The US sharply attacked the Spanish government following the entry of tens of thousands of migrants into Ceuta, calling on Madrid to regain control of its borders. State Department spokesman Piggott blamed Spain for sole responsibility for the crisis, claiming that 72,000 migrants entered the enclave last week. He dismissed claims of American doubt about Spain's sovereignty, calling them the product of 'malicious actors.' Meanwhile, sources in Madrid fear a warming of relations between Morocco and Trump, amid his anger over Sánchez's refusal to support the war in Iran.

The United States sharply attacked the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez following the entry of tens of thousands of migrants into Ceuta, calling on Madrid to regain control of its borders. State Department spokesman Piggott blamed the Spanish government for sole responsibility for the crisis, claiming that 72,000 migrants entered the enclave last week without authorization. He called Spain's refusal to defend its sovereignty 'shameful' and dismissed claims that Washington questions Spanish control over the cities, calling them the product of 'malicious actors.' Meanwhile, sources in Madrid expressed concern over the warming of relations between Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, and President Trump, who was angered by Sánchez's refusal to support the war in Iran. They pointed to a US congressional report that described the cities as being in 'Moroccan territory' and supported negotiations on their 'future status.' European Union countries praised Madrid for its handling of the situation, but Piggott on Thursday called on Spain to 'take all necessary steps to remove illegal migrants and regain control of its borders.'