Key Takeaways
- President Trump stated he wants the U.S. to remain in NATO during a meeting.
- He also said the U.S. would continue selling weapons regardless of their use.
- The White House did not immediately comment on his remarks.
At a leaders' meeting in Ankara, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to NATO by stating that he wants the country to remain part of the alliance. This was reported by a source familiar with the talks, who spoke to Reuters under condition of anonymity.
During the closed summit, Trump also expressed his willingness for the U.S. to continue selling weapons to its allies, regardless of how these weapons are utilized. The source quoted him as saying: 'We want to remain with you.'
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s remarks at the meeting. However, it is noted that he did not repeat his previous criticisms of NATO ally Spain nor his announcement regarding the termination of an interim ceasefire deal with Iran during this session.
Trump had earlier ordered a halt in trade with Spain over concerns about defence spending and the ongoing conflict in Iran. These issues were not discussed at the Ankara summit, according to the source.
The meeting took place on Wednesday, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties within NATO. The U.S. leader’s statements are seen as crucial for bolstering confidence among other member states regarding America's long-term commitment to the alliance.
NATO is a military alliance between 30 North Atlantic countries, including the United States, which plays a significant role in global security and stability. Trump’s reaffirmation of U.S. membership could have implications for future cooperation within the bloc.
The source also mentioned that Trump did not address the issue of Greenland during the meeting, despite this having caused friction among some NATO members due to its strategic importance.
'We want to remain with you.'
President Donald Trump, U.S. President
