U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of his plan to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey this July, according to multiple sources cited by Middle East Eye. The announcement follows a period of mixed signals from Trump regarding the United States’ role in the alliance. In April, he had said he was seriously considering withdrawing from NATO, but during a May 20 phone call with Erdoğan, he expressed interest in joining the Ankara meeting.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Erdoğan and Trump have spoken several times in recent weeks, and Trump never indicated he would skip the summit. Reports also suggest Erdoğan hopes to meet Trump in Los Angeles on June 25 during a U.S.–Turkey World Cup match, though no final decision has been made. European officials view the Ankara summit as one of the most significant in decades, given uncertainty over U.S. defense commitments.
NATO leaders, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, are expected to emphasize the alliance’s importance to transatlantic security. Diplomats suggest allies may seek a gradual U.S. troop withdrawal roadmap if Trump insists on reducing America’s role.