NATO leaders to gather in Ankara next week, aiming to smooth over tensions with Trump

NATO leaders are set to gather in Ankara next week, with European nations aiming to smooth over recent tensions with US President Donald Trump. The summit will focus on demonstrating Europe's commitment to increased defense spending and bolstering support for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the meeting will highlight European allies honoring their pledges to hike defense budgets, with significant arms deals expected to be finalized.

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The United States is spending money to protect NATO members without getting any benefit from so doing.

European officials hope to replicate the "smooth" atmosphere of a previous summit where Trump reaffirmed US commitment to the alliance. However, lingering transatlantic friction over issues like Iran and Trump's persistent criticism of NATO's financial contributions create an uncertain backdrop. Trump recently reiterated his stance on social media, complaining that the United States was spending money to protect NATO members "without getting any benefit from so doing."

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The summit next week will focus on turning extra spending into combat-ready capabilities, and significantly scaling up our defense industries.

The agenda includes discussions on turning increased spending into tangible combat-ready capabilities and scaling up defense industries. European allies and Canada have already increased their defense expenditures significantly, with Rutte noting a $90 billion rise in 2025. Leaders are also expected to pledge continued funding for Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is slated to attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral talks with Trump.

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NATO is, and will always be, a transatlantic alliance but we need to rebalance it for the better.