Trump Tells NATO Allies US Wants to Stay in Alliance, Despite Criticism
During a closed-door NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump informed allied leaders that the United States intends to remain a member of the military alliance. This assurance was conveyed to Reuters by a source familiar with the discussions, who reported Trump stating, "We want to stay with you." Additionally, Trump indicated that the U.S. is prepared to continue selling arms to allies, irrespective of their intended use. Notably absent from Trump's remarks during the meeting were his previous criticisms of Spain, a NATO ally, and his announcement regarding a provisional ceasefire agreement with Iran. The issue of Greenland, which had previously caused friction within the bloc, was also not brought up. Earlier in the day, Trump had ordered a halt to trade with Spain, citing concerns over defense spending and the conflict in Iran.
President Trump's reported commitment to NATO membership, despite prior public criticisms and trade actions against allies like Spain, suggests a potential recalibration of U.S. foreign policy priorities. This statement, if sustained, could alleviate immediate concerns among European allies regarding U.S. commitment to collective security. However, the underlying tension between U.S. demands for increased defense spending from allies and its own trade policies remains a complex dynamic. The future trajectory of U.S.-NATO relations will likely depend on the consistency of American policy and the ability of alliance members to address shared security challenges while navigating divergent national interests and economic strategies in an evolving global landscape.
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