The country of Spain has long been known for its paella, flamenco, sangria, among other things, but now it's known for having a deadbeat government that refuses to pay its debts.
The Spanish government commissioned two Florida energy companies to build up the country's renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind and solar.
Spain's Socialist Workers' Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez doesn't want to pay up, even though it owes Florida-based Nexterra and Blasket Renewable Investments, LLC millions of dollars for work that had been completed.
American lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are beginning to scrutinize Spain's refusal to pay its debts, this after the Iberian nation refused to allow the Trump administration to use the military bases in Spain in the current war against radical Islamic Iran.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R), the frontrunner in Florida's 2026 gubernatorial sweepstakes, stated,"It’s time for Spain to pay their bills and respect our nation."
Rep. Donalds remark comes in response to The Floridian's request for comment over Spain's refusal to help the Trump administration negotiate its curren war on terror against Iran.
"Spain has proven to be a deadbeat partner, not only by refusing to pay Florida-based companies like NextEra what they are legally owed, but by blocking our military access after the Iran strikes. It’s time for Spain to pay their bills and respect our nation," stated Rep. Donalds.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R), who is the vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, appears to have slapped Spain with a subtle threat, invoking how President Donald Trump has proven how he and his administration treat friends and enemies of America.
“Spain should respect the rule of law and meet its obligations. They should also take what President Trump says seriously because he has shown time and again that he will do what he says he will do. Under Trump’s leadership, we have shown the world that we will treat friends as friends and enemies as enemies," said Rep. Diaz-Balart in a statement to The Floridian.
Adding to Rep. Diaz-Balart's suggestion to the Spanish government about paying its debts is being followed up by fellow Floridian and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Brian Mast (R), who issued his own not-so-subtle threat.
"I expect Spain to honor their lawful debts. Refusal will cost Spain far more than what they owe to these companies," stated Rep. Mast in a response to our request for comment.
More lawmakers are expected to pile on Spain's refusal to pay up, and could press for the Department of Justice to get involved. The matter may reach as high as the U.S. Supreme Court.
Deadbeat Spain Refuses to Pay Debts to US Companies as Trump Threatens to cut Trade
Lawmakers and the Trump administration are already weary of Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. military to conduct operations from its bases against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Could Spain's refusal to help the Trump administration wage war against Iran have something to do with the country's longstanding ties and heritage with Muslims?
Approximately 2.5 million muslims are living in Spain.
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) (part of the World Bank) having paid NextEra $370.4 million in damages in 2024, and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that American courts could enforce business contracts with foreign governments, Spain filed a writ of certiorari, a demand that the case be reviewed, to the U.S. Supreme Court in late 2025.
Spain's refusal to honor contracts not only harms it's reputation as a renewable energy investment partner, but is also leading to asset seizures, government bond defaults, and skyrocketing interest and legal fees, if the U.S. courts get involved.
The US Supreme Court has invited the Trump Administration to provide its views on whether it should take up the Blasket Renewable Investments LLC v Kingdom of Spain.
