U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (not shown) for bilateral talks at Beştepe Presidential Compound during the NATO Summit on July 08, 2026 in Ankara, Turkey. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday for a two-day NATO Summit, where he renewed his criticism of the alliance, pledged to restore military ties with Turkey, and reiterated his America First vision for U.S. foreign policy.
Trump was welcomed with a military salute and flyover before beginning the summit with a bilateral meeting alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During the meeting, Trump said he has no concerns about selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, adding that the United States will lift sanctions currently preventing the sale.
During Trump’s first term, Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after purchasing advanced S-400 air defense systems from Russia. At the time, NATO allies argued that Turkey’s participation in the program could compromise the cybersecurity of the U.S.-made fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Now, however, Trump said he has “no concerns about anything having to do with Turkey,” adding that the United States’ relationship with Turkey is “better… than it’s ever been.”
Turkey has sought to use Trump’s visit to break the stalemate following the leaders’ White House meeting in September 2025, when both expressed a desire to resolve Turkey’s status in the F-35 program. Any move to lift the sanctions, however, would require congressional approval.
Trump also took the opportunity to deliver sharp criticism of other NATO members for failing to aid the United States in its military operations against Iran.
“I was very disappointed in NATO,” the president said Tuesday. “And, frankly, if it weren’t held in Turkey where my friend happens to be a very strong leader… it’s possible that I wouldn’t have attended.”
Trump has argued that European nations rely heavily on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which the United States has shouldered the burden of keeping open. Thanks to Trump’s policies, the United States is now energy independent. Trump has called on NATO’s European members to help protect their own energy supplies.
Trump specifically called NATO a “paper tiger,” echoing critiques from his first term over the failure of most alliance members to meet defense spending targets. Trump announced in May that approximately 5,000 American troops would be withdrawn from Germany.
Trump also criticized several European allies by name, including Italy, Germany, and France, saying they had “turned the U.S. down” despite receiving generous American support under his administration.
Addressing his recent social media dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump defused the tension, calling her a “nice person” who simply made a “mistake.”
The president also reiterated his position that the United States should control Greenland, a proposal that sparked controversy among NATO allies earlier this year.
“Well, that’s what hurt my relationship with NATO because Greenland doesn’t help Denmark,” Trump said. “Denmark doesn’t spend money or really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States and it’s surrounded by China’s ships and Russian ships.”
Trump argued that Greenland would be better protected under U.S. leadership, saying Washington is already investing resources to help defend the island against Russian threats.
He concluded by criticizing Europe’s immigration and energy policies, saying the continent is a “very different place than it was 20 years ago.”
Trump’s appearance in Turkey underscored the administration’s continued willingness to challenge longstanding NATO policies while pursuing closer ties with allies it views as strategically important. As debates over defense spending, energy security, and geopolitical competition continue, the summit highlighted Trump’s determination to reshape America’s role within the alliance in order to better serve the interests of the United States rather than those of foreign leaders.
Lillian Ferrell is a senior at Hillsdale College studying English and music. She has experience in journalism and podcasting as the host of the Grace Over Grind podcast. Her written work focuses on American politics, culture, and public policy.
