US President Trump is expected to press European allies on defense spending during the two-day NATO summit in Turkey.
NATO leaders convene in Ankara on July 7-8 for the alliance’s annual summit, with defense spending disputes taking center stage. US President Donald Trump is anticipated to criticize European members for failing to meet defense budget commitments, amid broader tensions over burden-sharing within the alliance.
The summit follows persistent US complaints that many European NATO members spend below the agreed 2% of GDP on defense. The North Atlantic Council will hold a three-hour session on the second day, where Trump’s remarks could escalate friction with key allies.
The meeting occurs against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical risks, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which may further strain transatlantic relations.