Trump's Ankara remarks strain NATO ties as Europe faces rising defence costs — UnionPress
US president's insults to Iran and Spain and threats over Greenland sparked tension at the NATO summit, while allies pledged over €70 billion in aid for Ukraine.
Donald Trump left the NATO summit in Ankara with a string of controversial comments that deepened friction between Washington and its European partners. The president dismissed Iran as "liars" and "cancer", called Spain a "wasted cause" and hinted at seizing Greenland, all while reaffirming that the United States would remain in the alliance.
The remarks came as NATO leaders, including Dutch prime minister and alliance secretary‑general Mark Rutte, praised the surge in European defence spending that the United States had helped trigger. Rutte told the president that the record‑high investment, more than one trillion dollars across the bloc, was a "victory" for NATO and urged him to "take that victory".
Despite the heated exchanges, the formal North Atlantic Council meeting produced a familiar communiqué. It reaffirmed the alliance's "unwavering commitment" to collective defence under Article 5 and pledged to confront the "long‑term threat" posed by Russia. Most notably, NATO agreed to provide Ukraine with military assistance and training worth €70 billion for 2026, with a similar commitment for 2027.
The statement also called on Iran to forgo a nuclear weapon and to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The language was consistent with previous summit communiqués, but the backdrop of Trump's rhetoric made the diplomatic tone feel strained.
Trump's condemnation of Iran followed a series of US strikes on 80 targets in the Persian Gulf, which the Pentagon said were a response to Iranian interference with commercial shipping. Tehran denied involvement, but retaliatory attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait were reported the next day.
In a blunt interview, the president described Iranians as "sick, vicious, violent people" and said negotiations were a waste of time. He added that, if necessary, US diplomats could continue talks, but the overall tone was hostile. Oil markets reacted instantly, with Brent crude climbing about six per cent to $74 a barrel (roughly €65), reflecting concerns over supply disruptions.
An EU spokesperson urged all sides to respect the existing truce and seek a diplomatic solution, warning that further escalation could destabilise global energy prices and hurt European households already coping with high inflation.
Trump's criticism of Spain was equally pointed. He told reporters, "I have not spoken with Spain. Spain is a wasted cause," echoing previous grievances about the country's reluctance to meet NATO's 2 percent defence‑spending target and its refusal to adopt the alliance's 5 percent GDP goal for 2035.
Spain's government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been vocal in opposing the war in Ukraine and has barred US aircraft from overflying Spanish airspace during the recent strikes on Iran. The president's comment raised questions about how the United States might "cut off trade" with Spain, although no concrete policy was outlined.
European officials noted that the United States' stance on Spain conflicted with the broader NATO consensus, which seeks to keep the alliance united against external threats. Some diplomats warned that singling out a member could undermine collective resolve.
Rutte's praise of the United States for spurring European defence investment reflects a broader shift. Since the war in Ukraine began, EU governments have collectively pledged more than €1 trillion in new military spending, a figure that dwarfs previous defence budgets.
While many governments argue that higher spending is essential for security, trade unions and left‑leaning parties across the continent warn that the fiscal burden falls disproportionately on workers and public services. In France, Germany and Italy, debates are ongoing about how to fund the increased defence outlays without eroding social programmes.
Union leaders have called for a "just transition" that pairs defence investment with measures to protect wages, safeguard pension rights and maintain affordable housing. They argue that without such safeguards, the surge in military spending could exacerbate inequality and fuel public discontent.
Analysts note that Trump's aggressive rhetoric on Iran and the Middle East could have domestic repercussions. Higher oil prices tend to hurt incumbent parties in the United States, and the president's comments may be aimed at rallying his base ahead of the November congressional elections.
Nevertheless, some observers caution that Trump's habit of changing his position could create uncertainty for NATO partners. If the United States were to alter its stance on Iran or Europe's defence commitments, the alliance could face strategic gaps at a time when Russian aggression remains a central concern.
The Ankara summit concluded with a mixture of reaffirmed commitments and lingering diplomatic tension. NATO will continue to monitor the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East, while also preparing the promised €70 billion aid package for Ukraine.
European leaders are likely to press Washington for a more consistent approach to Iran and to seek assurances that the United States will not single out individual allies for punitive measures. At the same time, they must balance the need for robust defence spending with the social priorities of their electorates.
For workers and households across Europe, the key question remains whether the surge in military budgets will be financed in a way that protects living standards, or whether it will deepen the fiscal strain already felt in many economies.