Trump praises Erdogan, eyes F-35 sale at NATO summit amid alliance friction

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for a NATO summit, immediately praising his "chemistry" with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump was personally greeted by Erdogan, highlighting a seemingly strong personal relationship amid broader tensions within the alliance.

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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.

The summit occurs at a critical juncture for NATO, with Trump having previously expressed dissatisfaction with European allies' defense spending. "I was very disappointed with NATO," Trump stated, sitting beside Erdogan. "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."

NATO officials hope Trump's rapport with Erdogan can help ease tensions stemming from the "Iran war." Trump indicated that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a significant offer given that Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems. Turkey has been seeking readmittance to the program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions that have damaged bilateral ties.

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It's a chemistry that works between us.

Erdogan stated, "Mr. Trump has also personally given us his word on this matter." European leaders aim to prevent further rifts with the U.S. president, particularly after Trump questioned Washington's commitment to allied defense. He expressed frustration over allies restricting U.S. forces' access to bases during the "Iran conflict," citing Italy, Germany, and France as having denied access. Trump also reiterated his controversial stance on Greenland, suggesting it "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark."

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

In an effort to demonstrate commitment to increased defense spending, NATO allies unveiled tens of billions in arms deals prior to Trump's arrival. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that European countries are "delivering" by bolstering military budgets and taking greater responsibility for continental defense against Russia, noting that these investments "are billions that are invested in our security, boosting our economies and supporting hundreds of thousands of new jobs."

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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.