Trump Expected to Reaffirm NATO Collective Defense at Ankara Summit

President Donald Trump is expected to back NATO’s Article 5 collective defense principle at the upcoming Ankara summit, despite past criticism of the alliance. NATO members are also moving to boost defense spending and fill gaps left by possible reductions in U.S. forces in Europe.

Trump Expected to Back Article 5

President Donald Trump is likely to join other NATO leaders in reaffirming the alliance’s collective defense commitment during the NATO summit set for July 7-8 in Ankara, according to a Reuters report.

A draft summit declaration reportedly states that NATO members remain firmly committed to Article 5, which treats an attack on one member in Europe or North America as an attack on all members.

The draft has already been approved by ambassadors from all 32 NATO member states and is expected to receive final approval from national leaders at the summit.

Iran and Ukraine on the Agenda

The reported shift comes after tensions between Trump and several European leaders over U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. The draft declaration also includes a message that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and must fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO leaders are also expected to approve long-term military funding for Ukraine, including 70 billion euros in military aid this year and at least the same level of support next year.

Europe Moves to Carry More of the Burden

NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Johnny Stringer, said European allies have stepped up to fill gaps created by adjustments in U.S. force levels in Europe.

Stringer said all 32 NATO nations have agreed to move toward defense spending equal to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, with credible plans to meet that target.

The message is clear: Europe is under pressure to do more, while the Trump administration continues pushing NATO allies to stop relying so heavily on American taxpayers for their security.