Trump Insults Spain, Meloni Late, Czechs Send Deputy: NATO Summit Descends into Chaos
At the NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called Spain a “terrible partner,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived late, and the Czech Republic had to send a deputy after a court fight over who would represent the country [192182]. The 32-member alliance gathered under a strained atmosphere, with Trump attacking allies, repeating his desire to take over Greenland, and complaining that other nations are not paying their fair share [192182][192700].
Despite Trump’s outbursts, NATO leaders treated him with courtesy and respect—some observers said he received more deference than any previous U.S. president [192700]. Trump later described the meeting positively, saying “there was a lot of love in that room, a lot of unity” [192700]. However, experts warn the alliance will never feel safe as long as Trump remains in the White House, calling him unpredictable, vengeful, and ruthlessly transactional [192697].
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters that the United States remains “completely committed” to the alliance, amid worries about Trump’s willingness to protect allied nations [191546]. Trump did reaffirm support for NATO’s mutual defense clause and gave Ukraine permission to produce Patriot missiles under license [192580]. Meanwhile, the summit produced a series of new arms agreements, signaling a shift where military needs now matter more than shared democratic values [192412].
Outside the summit, protests erupted in six Turkish cities, with demonstrators chanting “NATO get out of this country, it is ours” and “Down with imperialism.” Police detained more than 100 people in the capital, Ankara [191030]. Two Turkish lawyers, including the head of the Istanbul branch of the Contemporary Lawyers Association, were arrested ahead of the summit [192661].