President Donald Trump delivered a volatile performance during the final hours of the NATO summit in Ankara, lashing out at allies over defence spending and Iran before declaring a 'tremendous love' for the alliance. The US leader’s shifting moods left European leaders on edge, but they ultimately welcomed his renewed commitment to Article 5, the collective defence clause.
Trump began Wednesday by criticising NATO members for failing to help with US operations against Iran, specifically calling out the UK for initially refusing to allow bombing missions from RAF Fairford. 'The United Kingdom wouldn't let us use the island for two weeks,' he complained, referring to the recent conflict. He also revived his demand for control of Greenland and pressed allies to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, despite last year's agreement.
However, in a private meeting with 32 NATO leaders, Trump adopted a softer tone, saying 'we want to remain with you'. He later described the meeting as 'great' and full of 'love and unity'. The final summit declaration affirmed an 'ironclad commitment' to Article 5. No date was set for the next leaders' summit, amid concerns that Trump's grandstanding could embolden Russia.
European leaders had feared Trump’s mood after a dinner on Tuesday, and they deliberately avoided mentioning a US defeat in a football match against Belgium. The erratic behaviour, from attacking allies to praising Turkey’s president and claiming to be 'No 1 on TikTok', underscored persistent worries about NATO’s stability under Trump’s leadership.
