Trump Arrives in Ankara for NATO Summit Amid Pressure on Allies to Boost Defense Spending

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday to attend the NATO summit, as the 77-year-old military alliance faces renewed debate over defense spending, regional security, and transatlantic cooperation.

Trump was welcomed with an official reception by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan upon his arrival.

The summit comes as Trump continues to press NATO allies to increase their defense budgets and assume a greater share of the alliance's collective security responsibilities. NATO leaders are expected to focus heavily on burden-sharing, regional security, and support for Ukraine during the two-day meeting.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said member states have made "significant progress" in raising defense spending, but Trump has repeatedly argued that allies should do more to strengthen the alliance's military capabilities.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Potential F-35 Sale to Türkiye

According to U.S. administration officials, Trump could signal support for advancing the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye during the summit, a move that would mark a significant step in restoring defense ties between Washington and Ankara.

Security in the Strait of Hormuz

NATO leaders are also expected to discuss security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, following recent tensions in the Middle East and concerns over the safety of global energy shipments.

Ukraine War

Trump is expected to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting comes as Washington continues efforts to advance diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, although no comprehensive peace framework has yet been announced.

The Ankara summit is being closely watched by governments around the world, with expectations that its outcomes could shape NATO's future strategy on defense spending, regional security, and support for Ukraine.