Key facts
- President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in Turkey.
- European leaders aim to address tensions with Trump regarding Iran and defense spending.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted increased European defense spending and capabilities.
- Leaders are expected to reaffirm support for Ukraine's defense against Russia.
- Trump has previously criticized NATO members for their defense spending and threatened U.S. commitment.
- The U.S. State Department is working to bypass congressional objections to jet engine sales to Turkey.
President Donald Trump is set to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, a decision influenced by his close relationship with host President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump has often lauded Erdogan as a "hell of a leader" and a friend, stating he is attending out of respect for the Turkish president. This appearance is seen as crucial for Erdogan to prevent disarray within the alliance, especially as Trump has previously threatened to reduce U.S. involvement in NATO and has criticized member states for their defense spending.
Trump has further sweetened the prospect of his attendance by hinting at potential news regarding jet engines and the sale of F-35 fighter jets, which have been barred for years due to Turkey's ties with Moscow. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems, raising concerns among U.S. officials about potential intelligence leaks. Despite significant bipartisan opposition in Congress, including from influential Republicans, the State Department has initiated steps to bypass objections to over $700 million in jet engine sales to Ankara. This move has drawn criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Gregory Meeks, who questioned the justification and transparency of the decision.
Erdogan's relationship with Trump contrasts sharply with the Biden administration's approach, which had distanced itself from Ankara over democratic backsliding and ties to Russia. Analysts suggest Erdogan is actively leveraging his rapport with Trump, viewing his potential re-election as beneficial. This is underscored by Erdogan's decision to decline a U.S. invitation for a visit after Turkey endorsed Finland and Sweden's NATO m
NATO leaders are gathering in Ankara amid lingering transatlantic bitterness over the Iran war and Trump's frequent criticism of the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the summit will showcase Europeans honoring pledges to increase defense spending and scale up defense industries, aiming to deter Russia. European allies and Canada have increased their defense spending by $90 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching over $570 billion. Leaders are also expected to commit to continued funding for Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral talks with Trump. European officials hope Trump's relationships with Erdogan and Rutte will ensure a smooth summit, but acknowledge uncertainty given past strains, including Trump's threats regarding Greenland and the Iran war, which roiled the global economy without consulting allies. The U.S. has also reduced its military presence in Europe and withdrawn forces assigned to NATO defense plans. The Iran war adds further uncertainty, with concerns that a flare-up in the conflict or Trump's frustration with European support could overshadow the summit.