Trump criticizes NATO allies, praises Secretary General Rutte

US President Donald Trump, ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, once again criticized allied nations while praising Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump stated that the US has spent a trillion dollars protecting European countries and that some members still refuse to contribute financially.

He also complained that Britain, France, and Germany did not assist the US in its military campaign against Iran, noting that only smaller countries offered help. "I am very disappointed with NATO because we pay much more, billions and billions of dollars more. It is unfair because we protect them, but they do nothing for us. That is not how it works," Trump said.

However, when referring to Mark Rutte, Trump was complimentary: "But he is a great leader. They are lucky to have him. He is their biggest asset." These remarks come amid reports that Trump arrived at the summit in a bad mood and there is no certainty that the meeting will go smoothly. Previously, Rutte had expressed support for Trump's pressure on allies to increase defense spending and for his decision to go to war with Iran.