Key facts
- US President Donald Trump displayed erratic behavior at the NATO summit in Ankara, criticizing allies and then praising them.
- Trump expressed anger over a failed Iran ceasefire and lashed out at Iran's leadership.
- He criticized NATO members for not aiding in the Iran war and demanded trade severance with Spain.
- Later, Trump described the summit as positive and praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Analysts attribute Trump's shift to his relationship with Turkish President Erdoğan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's efforts.
- Despite Trump's rhetoric, some analysts believe NATO's core strength remains, though European trust in US support may be diminished.
US President Donald Trump's conduct at the recent NATO summit in Ankara was marked by extreme volatility, leaving allies apprehensive. Arriving in a visibly angry state over a failed Iran ceasefire, Trump initially denounced Iran's leadership and criticized NATO members for insufficient support in the Iran war, even demanding trade severance with Spain over defense spending targets. However, hours later, he emerged from a meeting with allied leaders speaking of unity and praise, describing the session as highly positive. He extended this warmth to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he had previously viewed critically. Analysts suggest Trump's shift may be linked to his admiration for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the summit's host, and the efforts of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to highlight increased European defense spending. Trump's change of heart towards Zelenskyy could also stem from disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and an awareness of US congressional sentiment. While some believe Trump's consistent criticism has eroded European trust in US support, others argue the alliance's core strength remains, with a potential shift towards a more Europe-led structure as European nations commit to higher defense spending. Experts note Trump's style aims to keep allies off balance, reflecting a broader US foreign policy malaise.