Trump's NATO demand: 'I just want loyalty'

U.S. President Donald Trump is escalating his demands on NATO allies, seeking "loyalty" and threatening to withdraw from the alliance if his expectations are not met. This comes as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte faces numerous challenges ahead of the alliance's summit in Turkey.

Trump has long criticized European NATO members for not adequately funding their own defense. While a previous summit addressed increased defense budgets, the challenge now lies in implementing these financial commitments to bolster the alliance's military capabilities against perceived Russian threats. However, for Trump, the focus has shifted from financial contributions to a demand for unwavering allegiance.

The U.S. president's commitment to NATO has been a persistent concern for leaders like Rutte and his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg. Trump's threats to leave the alliance have been a recurring theme, exacerbated by incidents such as his earlier proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The current major point of contention is the U.S.-led war against Iran, initiated in February. Trump is reportedly dissatisfied with the level of military support provided by several European nations, including Spain, Germany, Britain, and France.

"We don't need their money – we need nothing. I just want loyalty," Trump stated during a meeting with Rutte in late June. This frustration has led Trump to consider skipping the Ankara summit. However, his respect for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is cited as the primary reason for his attendance. Trump has praised Erdogan as an "outstanding leader and a good friend," noting that Turkey could have supported Iran in the conflict but instead respected the U.S. stance. For Rutte, Turkey has become a crucial element in keeping Trump engaged in negotiations.

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We don't need their money – we need nothing. I just want loyalty.