US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Nato allies at a summit in Turkey on Wednesday, accusing European partners of resisting his push to take control of Greenland and failing to support his Iran campaign.
The meeting of 32 Nato leaders came as European members and Canada attempt to meet Trump’s demands for higher defence spending, while Washington reduces its military presence in Europe and urges allies to take greater responsibility for their own security.
Trump, however, reignited tensions by insisting that the United States should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. He also criticised countries that refused to join the US military campaign against Iran, singling out Spain as “a terrible partner in Nato” and renewing threats to restrict trade.
Ahead of the summit, Trump said Greenland “is very important” for the US but not for Denmark.
“We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States,” he said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the idea, saying Denmark was prepared to defend its territory with Nato support.
“We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people’s right to self-determination,” Frederiksen said. “Greenland is of course not for sale.”
Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland has raised concerns about Nato unity, as the alliance — founded in 1949 to counter the Soviet threat — is traditionally designed to address external security challenges rather than disputes among members.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte attempted to ease tensions by highlighting increased defence spending by allies.
“I would argue that without you in this chair, this would not have happened,” Rutte told Trump. “Grab the win. It’s there.”
Rutte also backed recent US strikes on Iran after Tehran attacked three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“I think what you did last night was absolutely necessary,” Rutte told Trump. “It was a very strong response, and I’m with you on this.”
The strikes, along with Washington’s decision to revoke a licence allowing Iran to sell oil on global markets, have raised doubts over a fragile interim agreement aimed at ending months of conflict.
Trump said of the deal: “For me, I think it’s over,” while adding that talks could continue.
“It’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” he said.
Nato leaders sought to demonstrate their commitment to increasing military spending, with Rutte pointing to countries including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark and Greece that have boosted defence budgets.
“The commitment is there, no doubt,” Rutte said, while noting that Washington expects European allies and Canada to match US defence spending.
Last year, Nato members agreed to raise defence investment to 5 per cent of GDP — including 3.5% for military spending and 1.5% for infrastructure to improve troop and equipment mobility during conflicts.
However, Nato figures released on Tuesday showed that Slovenia, Belgium, Spain and the Czech Republic have struggled to meet the previous 2 per cent target.
The Trump administration has called for a leaner and more capable “Nato 3.0”, with Europe taking greater responsibility for conventional defence, including support for Ukraine, while the US maintains its nuclear umbrella.
A Pentagon review of America’s military presence in Europe has raised concerns among allies over possible troop reductions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his call for Nato membership, arguing that Ukraine’s battlefield experience would strengthen the alliance.
Ahead of a planned meeting with Trump in Ankara, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had demonstrated their ability to strike deep inside Russia and claimed they were “eliminating” an average of 30,000 Russian troops every month.
European governments have expressed concern that Russia could launch hybrid attacks involving cyber operations and conventional tactics as the war in Ukraine continues.
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Washington and its allies needed a renewed commitment to Kyiv.
“We need to do everything possible to ramp up pressure on Russia to come to the table,” she said.
Trump was also scheduled to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader who helped overthrow Bashar Assad in December 2024. Despite his past links with al-Qaida, al-Sharaa has received Trump’s support as he seeks to rebuild Syria’s relations with the West.
