Key facts
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated U.S. President Donald Trump was correct to push allies on defense spending.
- Rutte credited Trump's pressure for a significant increase in European defense investments.
- President Trump is expected to support the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
- The F-35 sale to Turkey could help smooth relations at an upcoming NATO summit.
- European allies hope President Erdoğan's rapport with President Trump will prevent public criticism.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump was correct in his persistent calls for NATO allies to increase their defense spending and modernize their militaries. Rutte attributed a significant increase in European defense investments directly to the pressure exerted by President Trump. This statement comes as President Trump is reportedly expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This potential sale is viewed as a diplomatic move that could help to smooth relations among NATO allies in advance of an upcoming NATO summit. European allies are reportedly hoping that President Erdoğan's rapport with President Trump will prevent any public criticism from the U.S. President during the summit.