Trump pressures European NATO allies on defence spending at tense Ankara summit
On the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara, European leaders are trying to persuade US President Donald Trump of the alliance's value, while he insists on greater burden-sharing and complains about insufficient support in the Iran conflict.
Trump's confrontational start
Donald Trump landed in Ankara on 7 July and was greeted with a grand reception: parades, police horses, and pomp. Despite the spectacle, the US president appeared remarkably grumpy, immediately attacking European allies. He demanded Greenland from them, insulted Italy, France, and Germany for leaving him alone in the Iran war, and complained about a lack of support from NATO partners.
Burden-sharing and defence spending
The central issue at the summit is burden-sharing. Trump has repeatedly criticized European defence spending, most recently calling German investments 'lächerlich' (ridiculous). European allies and Canada have increased their combined defence spending to 4 percent of GDP, but Trump seems unimpressed. In response, Germany and other nations are emphasizing their recent significant increases in military investments.
- Trump arrives in Ankara, greeted with parades and pomp, then immediately criticises allies.
- NATO leaders gather for a family photo ahead of the official working session.
- Under-three-hour session focused on burden-sharing, Iran war, Ukraine, and defence spending.
- Hopes for a constructive outcome; risk of debacle if Trump remains confrontational.
Ukraine and the Patriot missile push
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is hoping for a breakthrough in the supply of urgently needed Patriot air defence missiles. European leaders also aim to discuss the Russian war against Ukraine and collective security, seeking to persuade Trump to increase pressure on Russia. Trump, however, is reportedly more interested in new arms deals.
Keeping Trump engaged
The official working session is scheduled to last less than three hours, a concession to Trump's reportedly short attention span. A family photo will precede the talks. The hope among many in Ankara is that Trump's mood improves from the previous evening.
Should Trump be in a combative mood again today, the summit could end in a debacle.
Broader alliance tensions
The summit underscores the fragility of the transatlantic bond, with Trump's personal disposition heavily influencing the alliance's direction. While Europeans do everything possible to appease him, the outcome remains uncertain. The session will also touch on the Iran conflict, where Trump feels unsupported.
