Stoltenberg: NATO disagreements show alliance's democratic strength

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has asserted that the public disagreements among alliance leaders, even those involving U.S. President Donald Trump, actually underscore the democratic vitality of NATO. Speaking after a summit in Ankara, Stoltenberg told Reuters that these internal debates should serve as a lesson for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Stoltenberg firmly rejected criticism that he either praises Trump excessively or avoids confronting his critiques of allies. "They knew who they were choosing when they appointed me; I am who I am," he stated. "If someone does good things, I will say so. If I disagree, I will also say so, but perhaps not publicly, trying to maintain the unity of the Alliance."

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They knew who they were choosing when they appointed me; I am who I am.

During the summit, Trump had caused disruptions, threatening trade relations with Spain and intensifying rhetoric against Iran, while also revisiting his claims on Greenland. Despite these moments, Trump later reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance, speaking of "love" and "unity."

Addressing whether internal disputes undermine NATO's message of deterrence, Stoltenberg emphasized that the capacity for leaders to disagree openly and then coalesce around a shared objective is a fundamental characteristic of democracies. This, he contrasted, with the systems in countries like Russia, China, and Iran.

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If someone does good things, I will say so. If I disagree, I will also say so, but perhaps not publicly, trying to maintain the unity of the Alliance.