US President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit to an elaborate official reception hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, setting his arrival apart from that of other world leaders.
According to The New York Times, Erdoğan personally welcomed Trump at the airport, a gesture not extended to other leaders attending the summit in the Turkish capital.
The arrival featured mounted Turkish guards, a military band performing the US national anthem, ceremonial cannon fire and fighter jets flying overhead with smoke trails in the colours of the American flag.
Turkish President Erdogan welcomes President Trump to the NATO summit dinner in Ankara as the Mehter band performs "Ceddin Deden." pic.twitter.com/NMqbcS5qJD
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 7, 2026
Trump dominates the summit
Trump’s presence quickly became the focal point of the gathering. According to The New York Times, US senators and diplomats remarked that the President was “taking all the oxygen out of the room” as NATO sought to project unity on defence, Ukraine and deterrence.
During his meeting with Erdoğan at the Turkish presidential complex, Trump revived several issues that have unsettled allies. He criticised Denmark while reiterating his interest in Greenland, complained that the UK, France and Italy had not done enough to support the United States during the conflict with Iran, and said Europe had been “much better 20 years ago”.
🇺🇸🇹🇷
— Restitutor Orientis 🇱🇮 (@restitutorII) July 7, 2026
Lors de l'accueil de Trump par Erdogan au palais présidentiel d'Ankara, on peut voir un mélange entre le passé et le présent:
– À gauche: des soldats en tenue de janissaires, faisant référence à la garde prétorienne ottomane, à l'ancienne armée d'élite de l'Empire ottoman,… pic.twitter.com/6RTDJMDtmz
Tensions with Meloni
Trump also drew attention after criticising Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to involve Italy in the war against Iran. Despite the criticism, he later sought to ease tensions by describing Meloni as “a good person” and insisting he had not placed significant pressure on her.
The NATO summit has unfolded as an unusual mix of diplomacy, political theatre and strategic discussions. While critics questioned Trump’s approach, his Republican allies argued that his tactics have encouraged NATO members to increase defence spending.
Focus on NATO unity
Meanwhile, Democratic senators sought to reassure European allies that the US Congress remains firmly committed to NATO. They stressed that the President cannot unilaterally withdraw the United States from the alliance without congressional approval.
As the NATO summit continues in Ankara, attention remains focused not only on defence decisions but also on whether US leadership will strengthen alliance unity or deepen divisions among NATO members.
Also read: Trump says he’s considering selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
