
FROM ROCKY START TO SHOW OF UNITY: NATO Rallies Around Trump
The NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, got off to a rocky start, with President Donald Trump reviewing his usual litany of complaints about NATO and the U.S. But in the end, the allies renewed their commitment to the alliance, pledging that “an attack on one is an attack on all.”
“There was a lot of love in that room, a lot of unity,” Trump said at a news conference. “We’ve had a tremendous time and I think a great success,” he added at a later presser.
Despite Trump renewing his calls to seize control of Denmark, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that U.S. allies “warmly welcomed President Trump’s leadership.”
While Trump was far from home, he ordered retaliatory strikes on Iran and declared the ceasefire effectively over, an unusual move for an absent president. Trump had complained that European allies had not helped to wrest control of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran. Surprisingly, Rutte did not rule out future European assistance.
“Obviously Iran is outside NATO territory,” he said. “If helpful, NATO is always willing to play a role. But first now, let’s see what happens over the coming days and weeks.”
Ukraine was also discussed at the summit and came out a winner. The United States pledged to send Patriot missiles that Ukraine desperately needs to thwart Russian ballistic missile attacks. After two devastating attacks on Kyiv that killed dozens of civilians in recent weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had implored the West for more aid and had specifically requested Patriot missiles. Trump said that the U.S. would also fulfill Ukraine’s request to license them to make their own Patriot air defense systems.
Trump also praised the wartime president, saying that Zelensky has “done an amazing job” and has “been very effective” against Russia.
“We’ve actually developed a good relationship. It’s hard to believe,” Trump said.
NATO also pledged an $80-billion package of military aid to Ukraine for this year and next year.