From threats to praise, Trump keeps allies guessing at NATO summit

At the NATO summit in Ankara, July 9, Donald Trump alternated between sharp criticism and praise, leaving allies uncertain about his approach to the 77-year-old alliance. After arriving Tuesday, he attacked the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy for, in his view, failing to back U.S. strikes tied to the war with Iran. On Wednesday morning, he said he would cut off all trade with Spain over obstructing the war effort and not spending enough on defense. By evening, he praised the same leaders for increasing military spending and called a closed-door NATO session “love.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met Trump and credited him with pushing Europe to spend more, while also trying to calm frustrations amid limited new U.S.-related policy announcements.