WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference at NATO summit in Turkey
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-08 08:23:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Renews Attacks on NATO Allies, Demands Control of Greenland and Support for Iran Campaign
At a high-stakes NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump reignited tensions with European allies by insisting that the United States should control Greenland and sharply criticizing NATO members for failing to support his military campaign against Iran.
Trump’s Renewed Push for Greenland
Trump again pressed his controversial claim that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, stating, “We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States.” He dismissed Denmark’s interest in Greenland, asserting it is “very important” for the U.S. but not for Denmark. This stance was directly rebuffed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who emphasized that “Greenland is of course not for sale” and underscored Denmark’s commitment to defending its territory as part of NATO.
Criticism and Threats Toward NATO Partners
Arriving at the summit, Trump blasted several European countries for refusing to participate in his Iran campaign, singling out Spain as “a terrible partner in NATO” and renewing threats to cut off trade. He has repeatedly demanded increased defense spending from NATO members, arguing that the U.S. bears an unfair share of the burden. Despite recent increases in defense budgets by several allies, Trump dismissed these efforts and continued to demand “loyalty,” branding NATO a “paper tiger” after some countries declined to provide open access to their bases for U.S. operations against Iran.
Dismissal of Iran Negotiations
Trump also declared the interim agreement with Iran effectively dead, saying, “For me, I think it’s over,” and described further talks as “just a waste of time dealing with them.” This hardline stance comes after U.S. strikes on Iran in response to attacks on merchant ships, actions that were praised by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as “absolutely necessary.”
Impact on NATO Unity
Trump’s repeated disparagements and demands have, in the past, pushed European countries to close ranks. However, his renewed interest in Greenland and continued criticism of allies threaten to undermine the unity of the alliance at a time when it faces significant external threats from Russia and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Conclusion
President Trump’s combative approach at the Ankara summit highlights his ongoing willingness to challenge NATO norms, disparage allies, and pursue controversial territorial claims. His statements and demands risk deepening rifts within the alliance, raising questions about the future cohesion and effectiveness of NATO as it confronts mounting security challenges.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-live-trump-holds-news-conference-at-nato-summit-in-turkey