Støre: Trump's tone at NATO summit was 'completely different'

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre observed a markedly different tone from U.S. President Donald Trump during the formal sessions of the NATO summit in Ankara, contrasting it with previous encounters.

While significant conflict-related topics were not on the agenda for the formal meeting of the Atlantic Council, Støre noted that Trump's approach was less intense than earlier in the day during a press conference with Secretary General Mark Rutte, and significantly different from previous summits.

"He noted that several countries were well on their way to the goal set last year, including Norway. He commented that countries lagging behind must speed up. But it was a completely different tone than last year, and a completely different tone than in the first period," the prime minister stated.

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He noted that several countries were well on their way to the goal set last year, including Norway. He commented that countries lagging behind must speed up. But it was a completely different tone than last year, and a completely different tone than in the first period.

Støre characterized Trump's style as a tactic to "turn up the temperature" before a meeting and then de-escalate, a pattern he believes was evident at the summit. The prime minister also confirmed he had a private discussion with Trump about the war in Ukraine at the conclusion of the meeting.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide added that NATO's stance on the Ukraine war is purely defensive, aiming to enable Ukraine's self-defense without intervening in Russia's internal affairs. He also cautioned about potential Russian risks, suggesting a rise in hybrid threats like sabotage rather than direct attacks on NATO.

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Trumps style and tone