Trump Calls Italy’s Meloni a ‘Nice Person’ but Blames Her for Not Helping with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for a NATO summit, personally greeted by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and immediately praised their "chemistry." Trump, however, used the occasion to criticize European allies for their perceived lack of support regarding his stance on Iran and their restrictions on U.S. forces using bases at the conflict's outset.

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I was very disappointed with NATO. Frankly, if it (the summit) weren't held in Türkiye, where my friend happens to be a very strong leader, a very strong person, it's possible that I wouldn't have attended.

"I was very disappointed with NATO," Trump stated, sitting alongside Erdogan. He even suggested that holding the summit in Turkey, led by a leader he described as "very strong," was a factor in his attendance. NATO officials hoped Trump's relationship with Erdogan could help mend strained ties, particularly concerning Turkey's purchase of Russian military systems and its subsequent removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. Trump indicated that Washington would reconsider selling F-35 jets to Turkey, a move that could significantly boost Erdogan's position.

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It's a chemistry that works between us.

Erdogan, through a translator, affirmed that Trump had personally given him his word on the matter. European leaders aimed to prevent further discord with the U.S. president, who had previously questioned Washington's commitment to allied defense. Trump reiterated his earlier testing of allies' commitment, mentioning that Italy, Germany, and France had denied U.S. forces access to bases.

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Mr. Trump has also personally given us his word on this matter.

The summit occurred amidst efforts by NATO allies to demonstrate increased defense spending, with billions in arms deals unveiled. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that European countries were bolstering military budgets and taking greater responsibility for continental defense, citing investments in security, economic boosts, and job creation. The article also briefly mentions Ukrainian President Zelensky's participation, though details are cut off.

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I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there, because I've long said that we helped them. Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down, and France turned us down.