Arrival and immediate anger

Upon landing in Ankara on Tuesday, President Trump made his frustration clear. He told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he was "very disappointed with NATO" because European allies had not supported the United States in the Iran war. Trump argued that if the US contributes military capabilities, it should receive military help in return, regardless of NATO's defensive mandate. The fragile ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz makes European allies like Germany unwilling to commit naval forces for mine-clearing, further frustrating Trump.

“I was very disappointed with NATO.”

Greenland claim and trade threats

The following morning, Trump escalated his attacks. He called Spain a "terrible" ally and announced a halt to trade relations because Madrid refuses to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP and denies the US use of its bases for strikes on Iran. He also revived his demand that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, come under US control, threatening to withdraw all American soldiers from Europe.

“We could withdraw all our soldiers from Europe.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back sharply, stating that Greenland is not for sale and that Denmark is prepared to defend every centimeter of NATO territory, including its own.

“We are ready to defend every centimeter of NATO territory, including our own.”

Closed-door diplomacy

Despite the public broadsides, participants described a different atmosphere behind closed doors. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reported that Trump adopted a conciliatory tone during the allies' working session. The summit proceeded to a formal declaration in which all 32 members reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense under Article 5.

Conciliatory finale

At his closing press conference on Wednesday evening, Trump struck a dramatically different note. He thanked Erdogan and Rutte, praised the allies' unity, and described the mood in the room as "incredible love." He called the summit "extraordinarily successful" and said he had a "great time."

“I just want to say there was incredible love in that room.”

Alliance reaffirmed

Rutte echoed the positive assessment, calling the summit proof that the alliance is stronger than ever. He downplayed the earlier disputes, saying that quarrels strengthen friendships. The formal declaration and the public show of unity capped two days of high tension, leaving the alliance intact but with lingering questions over US commitment.

“This summit has shown that the alliance is stronger than ever.”