Trump arrives in Turkey for NATO summit
US President Donald Trump landed in Turkey on Tuesday to attend the NATO summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several alliance leaders. The summit, taking place in Istanbul, aims to address pressing security challenges and strengthen transatlantic ties.
Upon arrival, Trump was received by Turkish officials and a ceremonial guard. The visit marks his first trip to Turkey since taking office.
Key meetings and agenda
According to the White House, President Trump will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability.
Other meetings include talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The agenda covers defense spending, the situation in Syria, and the alliance's response to Russian aggression.
Defense spending commitments
A major topic at the summit is the commitment by NATO members to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense. Trump has consistently urged allies to meet this target. “We expect all allies to contribute their fair share,” a senior US official said.
Currently, only a handful of NATO members meet the 2% threshold. The summit is expected to produce a communiqué reaffirming the goal.
According to NATO statistics, defense spending among European allies and Canada has increased by 4.3% in real terms in 2026, with eight members projected to meet the 2% target this year.
Turkey's role and tensions
Turkey, a key NATO member, has faced criticism over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. The US has warned that the system could compromise NATO security. “We continue to have concerns about the S-400,” a State Department spokesperson said.
Despite tensions, both sides have expressed willingness to cooperate. Erdogan has stated that Turkey remains committed to NATO and seeks to resolve differences through dialogue.
Security and protests
Security in Istanbul is tight, with thousands of police deployed. Small protests have been reported near the summit venue, with demonstrators calling for greater democracy and human rights. Turkish authorities have maintained order without major incidents.
