Trump holds NATO press conference after Ankara summit

Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization gathered in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday for a summit dominated by questions over the alliance's future and the United States' commitment to it. The meeting, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, opened amid significant tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and many European allies over defense spending and burden-sharing.

In his opening remarks, President Erdogan highlighted President Trump's efforts in steering the Iran crisis toward a resolution. The summit began under the shadow of heightened Middle East tensions, following recent U.S. strikes on Iran and subsequent reprisals against American bases. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to project unity ahead of the main session, stating there is a complete commitment of the United States to NATO. He also acknowledged an expectation that European and Canadian members would equalize their spending with the U.S., calling it a completely fair demand.

President Trump, who arrived in Ankara on Tuesday, set a confrontational tone, repeating that he was very disappointed with NATO. He reiterated a longstanding complaint that European allies have not contributed...