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- Erdoğan personally welcomed Trump at the airport, unlike other leaders attending the summit.
- The arrival included mounted Turkish guards, a military band, cannon fire, and fighter jets trailing smoke in US flag colours.
- Trump quickly became the summit’s focal point, with senators and diplomats saying he was “taking all the oxygen out of the room.”
- Trump criticised several allies and sparked tensions, while Democrats said Congress remains committed to NATO and can block unilateral withdrawal.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit to an elaborate official reception hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, setting his arrival apart from that of other world leaders.
According to The New York Times, Erdoğan personally welcomed Trump at the airport, a gesture not extended to other leaders attending the summit in the Turkish capital.
The arrival featured mounted Turkish guards, a military band performing the US national anthem, ceremonial cannon fire and fighter jets flying overhead with smoke trails in the colours of the American flag.
Trump dominates the summit
Trump’s presence quickly became the focal point of the gathering. According to The New York Times, US senators and diplomats remarked that the President was “taking all the oxygen out of the room” as NATO sought to project unity on defence, Ukraine and deterrence.
During his meeting with Erdoğan at the Turkish presidential complex, Trump revived several issues that have unsettled allies. He criticised Denmark while reiterating his interest in Greenland, complained that the UK, France and Italy had not done enough to support the United States during the conflict with Iran, and said Europe had been “much better 20 years ago”.
Tensions with Meloni
Trump also drew attention after criticising Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to involve Italy in the war against Iran. Despite the criticism, he later sought to ease tensions by describing Meloni as “a good person” and insisting he had not placed significant pressure on her.
The NATO summit has unfolded as an unusual mix of diplomacy, political theatre and strategic discussions. While critics questioned Trump’s approach, his Republican allies argued that his tactics have encouraged NATO members to increase defence spending.
Focus on NATO unity
Meanwhile, Democratic senators sought to reassure European allies that the US Congress remains firmly committed to NATO. They stressed that the President cannot unilaterally withdraw the United States from the alliance without congressional approval.
As the NATO summit continues in Ankara, attention remains focused not only on defence decisions but also on whether US leadership will strengthen alliance unity or deepen divisions among NATO members.
