U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals at the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, publicly criticizing several allies before later insisting the gathering ended with “a lot of love” and “a lot of unity.”
Throughout the day, Trump attacked Spain over defense spending, declared the interim accord with Iran “over,” renewed his call for U.S. control of Greenland and pledged support for Ukraine’s air defense, overshadowing a summit European leaders had hoped would showcase alliance cohesion.
Trump targets Spain over NATO commitments
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump described Spain as a “terrible partner” in the alliance, accusing Madrid of failing to contribute adequately to NATO and refusing to support the U.S. during the Iran war.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said.
He also instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all trade with Spain, saying: “Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits.”
Spain has rejected Trump’s demands for European countries to significantly increase defense spending and has refused to allow the United States to use its airspace or military bases during the conflict with Iran.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later said he had a “very cordial” conversation with Trump, during which they discussed the FIFA World Cup and golf, but not military spending.
Health Minister Monica Garcia responded more sharply, saying Spain was “a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace,” adding that “what’s terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying.”
Trump says Iran accord is over
Trump also declared that the memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict with Iran was finished.
“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” he said. “They’re scum. They’re sick people. They’re led by sick people.”
His remarks came after the United States launched new military strikes on Iran and revoked a license allowing Tehran to sell oil following attacks on three tankers, further straining an already fragile ceasefire.
Greenland claim resurfaces
The U.S. president also revived his longstanding call for American control of Greenland, arguing that the Arctic territory is strategically important for the United States.
“Greenland is very important for the United States, but it’s not important for Denmark,” Trump said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland was not for sale, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he did not believe the United States would attempt to seize the territory.
Tone shifts after closed-door meeting
Despite his public criticism, Trump struck a markedly different tone after the closed-door session with NATO leaders.
“There was a lot of love in that room, a lot of unity,” he told reporters.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Trump did not repeat his earlier criticisms behind closed doors and instead stressed that the United States wanted to remain part of NATO.
Macron said he heard no complaints from Trump during the meeting, while Rutte declared that the alliance was “more together than ever.”
Support for Ukraine and NATO commitments
Trump also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and said the United States would grant Kyiv a license to manufacture Patriot missiles as Russia continues its intensified air campaign against Ukrainian cities.
The summit concluded with NATO members reaffirming their “ironclad commitment” to the alliance’s collective defense clause under Article 5 and pledging €70 billion in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026.
Rutte said disagreements among allies ultimately strengthened the alliance.
“What he has seen now is sometimes allies disagreeing a bit, having a bit of a quarrel, and then coming together and reuniting,” the NATO secretary general told Reuters.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed the outcome of the summit, saying Ankara was ready to assume greater responsibility within NATO and that the meeting had laid the foundations for a stronger alliance.
