Trump surprises NATO summit with praise for allies, declares 'great unity' after earlier criticism
After arriving in Ankara in a foul mood, President Trump ended the NATO summit with unexpected praise for allies' defense spending progress and a declaration of 'great unity'.
A surprising shift
President Donald Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Ankara in a combative mood, immediately criticizing Spain for low defense spending and expressing disappointment with allies over Iran. American media reported he was in a bad temper, and diplomats feared a repeat of past confrontations. Yet by the summit's close, Trump's tone had reversed completely. During a press conference on Wednesday, he praised member states for making 'enormous progress' toward the 5% GDP defense spending target and said he sensed 'great unity of the Alliance.'
During today's working session we discussed the progress other members have made toward the 5% goal and they are indeed making enormous progress. Some have answered the call, others are making big changes. I think in all cases they will answer the call.
- Trump arrives in Ankara in a foul mood, criticizes Spain's low defense spending and expresses disappointment over Iran.
- In private meetings, Trump thanks leaders of Poland, Germany, Baltic states, and Norway, says 'We want to stay with you.'
- At closing press conference, Trump declares 'great unity,' praises allies' progress toward 5% GDP defense spending goal.
Behind closed doors
The shift was even more pronounced in private meetings. According to Politico, Trump thanked the leaders of Poland, Germany, the Baltic states, and Norway for their contributions to the Alliance's security. Participants said he told them, 'We want to stay with you,' a remark that surprised many given his earlier threats to reduce US commitment. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed to Reuters that he 'heard no complaints' during the closed sessions.
Praise for Poland
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump singled out Poland for praise. Referring to the large number of Ukrainian refugees there, he called Poland 'a wonderful country, with a really great president,' adding that he had supported that president and that he was 'doing a great job.' Trump also predicted that many Ukrainians currently in Poland would want to return home after the war.
You have a lot of people in Poland, which is, by the way, a wonderful country, with a really great president. I happened to support him, he's doing a great job.
Defense spending progress
Trump's praise centered on the 5% GDP defense spending goal. He noted that some allies had already responded to the call while others were introducing major changes, and expressed confidence that all would eventually meet the target. He added that the United States would spend over a trillion dollars annually on defense. The remarks marked a sharp departure from his earlier threats to downgrade cooperation with countries like Spain.
