US President Donald Trump has taken centre stage at the NATO summit in Ankara, where a carefully staged welcome has highlighted both his influence and the challenges facing the alliance.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally welcomed Trump at the airport before the two leaders appeared together during a ceremonial reception featuring military honours, a band performance of the US national anthem, and a flypast by Turkish fighter jets.
Despite the show of unity, Trump’s presence has raised concerns among NATO allies due to his repeated criticism of the alliance and his questioning of long-standing US commitments to European security.
During the summit, Trump repeated his suggestion that the United States should take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member. The remarks have previously strained relations with Denmark, with officials warning that any attempt to seize the territory by force would have serious consequences for the alliance.
Trump also criticised NATO partners over their response to his administration’s military action against Iran, saying some allies were unwilling to provide support during conflicts involving the United States.
The comments have added tension to a summit focused on strengthening cooperation and rebuilding defence capabilities across Europe.
While political disagreements have dominated headlines, NATO members have continued discussions on increasing military production and improving collective security. Several defence agreements have been announced, including plans for new transport aircraft and the replacement of ageing airborne early warning systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also attended the summit, urging allies to accelerate the development of advanced air defence systems following intensified Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
“Europe needs its own effective anti-ballistic system and missiles,” Zelenskyy said, calling for faster investment in affordable, mass-produced defence systems.
NATO leaders have expressed a shared desire to end the war in Ukraine, but concerns remain that Russia could rebuild its military strength after any ceasefire and pose a renewed threat to alliance members.
As the United States reassesses its role in European defence, NATO faces growing pressure to strengthen its own military capabilities while maintaining unity among its members.