By Elsie Kamsiyochi
NATO leaders gathered in Ankara hoping to present a united front on global security, but the summit was quickly overshadowed by a series of dramatic remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump that reignited tensions within the alliance.
During a day filled with sharp criticism, Trump announced that he considered the interim agreement with Iran effectively finished, renewed his long-standing demand for U.S. control of Greenland, and launched a blistering attack on Spain, accusing the country of failing its NATO obligations. He even instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt trade with Spain, dramatically escalating a dispute that had already been brewing between Washington and Madrid.
Calling Spain a “terrible partner” in NATO, Trump argued that the country had failed to contribute sufficiently to the alliance’s defence efforts and had refused to support the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran. He declared that he wanted to end trade relations with Spain entirely, including restricting visits between the two countries.
The comments immediately cast a shadow over a summit that European leaders had hoped would demonstrate renewed unity after months of disagreements over defence spending, the war in Iran, and broader transatlantic relations.
However, the tone shifted later in the day after NATO leaders concluded their private discussions. Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Trump struck a far more conciliatory note, telling reporters that there had been “a lot of love” in the room and praising what he described as an atmosphere of unity among the alliance’s members.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Trump did not repeat his public criticisms during the private meetings. Instead, he reassured fellow leaders that the United States remained committed to NATO and wanted to continue working closely with its allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed that message, saying the alliance was stronger and more united than ever. French President Emmanuel Macron also said he had not witnessed any confrontational exchanges behind closed doors, despite Trump’s earlier public comments.
The summit concluded with NATO members reaffirming their commitment to Article 5, the alliance’s collective defence principle that considers an attack on one member an attack on all. Leaders also pledged €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine during 2026, underlining continued support for Kyiv as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.
Trump also signalled stronger backing for Ukraine by announcing that the United States would allow Kyiv to manufacture Patriot missile systems under licence. The move could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities at a time when Russian missile and drone strikes continue to target major cities and civilian infrastructure.
Despite the positive outcome of the summit declaration, Trump’s earlier remarks continued to dominate headlines.
Spain has become one of the administration’s primary targets after refusing to meet Trump’s demands for significantly higher military spending. Madrid has also declined to allow U.S. forces to use Spanish airspace and military bases in operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later described his conversation with Trump as cordial, saying they discussed subjects including golf and the upcoming FIFA World Cup that will be hosted in the United States. He did not indicate that military spending or trade disputes had been central topics of their discussion.
Other Spanish officials responded more forcefully. Health Minister Monica Garcia defended Spain’s position, stating that the country would not be intimidated and remained committed to diplomacy, international cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Trump also intensified his rhetoric toward Iran, declaring that the temporary ceasefire agreement had effectively collapsed following renewed military exchanges and attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region. He dismissed any immediate prospect of renewed negotiations, accusing Iran’s leadership of being responsible for the latest escalation.
The president further reignited another long-running dispute by once again insisting that Greenland should come under U.S. control, arguing that the Arctic island holds enormous strategic importance for American national security.
The remarks were swiftly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland’s future would be decided by its own people, while Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen repeated that the territory is not for sale and dismissed any suggestion of foreign control.
French President Emmanuel Macron also sought to calm concerns, saying he did not believe the United States would attempt to seize Greenland by force. He stressed that NATO is founded on mutual solidarity and respect among allies, not confrontation between them.
Although the Ankara summit ultimately ended with a formal display of unity and renewed commitments to collective defence and support for Ukraine, it also highlighted the continuing political strains inside the alliance.
Trump’s sharp public criticism of allies contrasted sharply with the cooperative tone adopted behind closed doors, illustrating the delicate balance NATO leaders continue to navigate as they confront multiple international crises simultaneously.
Source Reuters
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