Summary
Highlights
Donald Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Ankura, Turkey, appearing confused and needing assistance from President Erdogan to walk. This was captured in photos showing Erdogan clutching Trump's arm and guiding him on the tarmac. Trump's appearance was described as sickly and he made unusual facial expressions.
A significant point of contention was Trump's unilateral decision to remove all sanctions against Turkey. These sanctions were initially imposed by Trump's own administration due to Turkey's purchase of Russian defense systems. Senator Rubio, who had previously testified that these congressionally authorized sanctions could not be removed, was reportedly stunned by this announcement. Trump also stated he would clear the way for F-35 sales to Turkey.
During a meeting with Erdogan, Trump stated that Greenland should be controlled by the United States and expressed dislike for NATO because it did not facilitate the US acquisition of Greenland. This statement, made at a NATO summit, was seen as a direct threat to NATO and a potential violation requiring Article 5 invocation. He criticized Denmark for not aiding Greenland and asserted that the US could remove its soldiers from Europe as Europe has changed.
A reporter questioned Trump about a social media post where he implied he wanted a restraining order against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump, while calling her a 'nice person,' explained that their relationship soured because she refused to allow the US to use Italian bases to attack Iran with Netanyahu.
Trump openly criticized NATO, stating he was 'very disappointed' and might not have attended the summit if it weren't in Turkey, citing his 'special relationship' with President Erdogan. He questioned the US's massive investment in NATO to protect European countries, particularly from Russia, especially when those countries were unwilling to assist the US, referencing Italy, Germany, and France declining help.
Trump repeatedly claimed that Putin and Zelensky are 'so close' to making a peace deal, suggesting he could broker it. This contrasts with the ongoing escalation of Russian strikes in Ukraine. He asserted his ability to make deals and settle wars, based on his discussions with both leaders, stating they both now want to settle the conflict.
Trump reiterated his decision to remove sanctions against Turkey, stating, 'We don't want to sanction friends.' He implied a supportive relationship with the 'new leader of Syria.' When questioned about concerns regarding Turkey's Russian missile defense system, which was the basis for the sanctions, Trump appeared confused and stated he had 'no concerns at all about anything.'
Trump expressed indifference to the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming it doesn't affect the United States. He also made unsubstantiated claims about the US economy, stating it had its 'best year ever' with $19.2 trillion invested, a figure the host refuted as made-up and contradictory to economic realities like rising debt and deficit.