‘Trump management’: Everyone else has a plan to keep NATO summit on the rails

Key Points:

• NATO leaders are convening in Ankara amid a year of tension largely driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable behavior, with allies aiming to placate him by emphasizing increased defense spending and industrial cooperation.
• European NATO members highlight their commitment to defense budgets, showcasing a $139 billion increase since 2025, and plan to announce significant arms procurement deals to appeal to Trump's focus on military expenditure.
• The summit will also address the Iran conflict by endorsing the Strait of Hormuz's openness and opposing Tehran's nuclear ambitions, signaling support for U.S. positions despite alliance divisions on the issue.
• Despite efforts to maintain unity, Trump's recent criticism of allies' defense spending and threats to review U.S. troop deployments underscore ongoing risks of discord, especially concerning burden-sharing and military base access.
• Behind the scenes, NATO allies are gradually growing more confident and autonomous, with initiatives like a UK-led precision strike coalition signaling a shift toward a more balanced partnership, though diplomacy and pragmatism toward the U.S. remain priorities.