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NATO 'came a long way today,' falling back into favor with Trump after the Ankara summit

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • U.S. President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with NATO's progress and Spain's contributions after the Ankara summit, reversing earlier criticisms.
  • Trump had previously voiced disappointment with allies like Britain, France, Germany, and Italy for insufficient support in the war on Iran.
  • Following the summit, which saw significant arms deals, Trump stated Spain had been 'very generous,' indicating a shift in his stance on the alliance.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that NATO "came a long way today" following the conclusion of the Ankara summit, signaling a significant shift in his public stance toward the alliance. Trump entered the summit expressing strong concerns about the financial contributions of the United States compared to the support it received from NATO members. He had openly criticized allies, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, for not adequately supporting the U.S. war effort against Iran, stating they "weren't treated well."

I did have issues, and I still do. But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement aboard Air Force One reflecting a positive shift in his view of Spain's role in NATO after the summit.

During the summit, Trump had specifically called Spain a "terrible partner" and ordered the Treasury Secretary to halt all trade with the country, citing its lack of participation and payment. However, after two days of discussions where European leaders reportedly worked to demonstrate increased responsibility for continental security, Trump's tone softened considerably. The summit concluded with NATO leaders unveiling tens of billions of dollars in arms deals, a development that appeared to appease the U.S. president.

I was very disappointed with NATO, singling out Britain, France, Germany and Italy for not doing enough to support the US war on Iran.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's earlier criticism of NATO allies before the summit.

Returning from the summit, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that while he still had issues, Spain had "come back all the way today" and was "very generous." This statement marked a notable turnaround from his earlier harsh criticism. Tensions within NATO had been heightened not only by Trump's demands for greater financial contributions but also by ongoing issues related to Ukraine and his past desire to acquire Greenland from Denmark. The U.S. military's February attack on Iran had further strained relations, with Trump repeatedly demanding more support from allies and even threatening to withdraw from the alliance.

We weren't treated well by the allies, even as he reiterated that he did not want or need their help.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's expression of dissatisfaction with how the U.S. was treated by NATO members.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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