If the U.S. steps back from NATO, who fills the gap? Ankara wants answers—fast.
Turkey has called on NATO allies to use their upcoming summit in Ankara to recalibrate relations with Donald Trump, warning that the alliance must prepare for a possible reduction in American involvement at a time of mounting global instability.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the July 7–8 summit should serve as a strategic turning point—both to stabilize ties with Washington and to establish contingency plans in case the United States scales back its role within the alliance.
“For years, allies treated Trump’s criticism as rhetoric,” Fidan said. “Now we must plan for a scenario where U.S. engagement is reduced.”
The remarks reflect growing unease within NATO following Trump’s renewed threats to withdraw from the alliance, particularly after European members declined to fully support U.S. efforts to secure maritime routes near Iran. The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has exposed deeper fractures within the bloc, with Washington pressing allies to take on greater military responsibilities.
Ankara’s message is blunt: NATO can no longer assume the permanence of American leadership.
Fidan suggested that if the U.S. withdraws from key NATO mechanisms, the alliance must implement a structured transition plan to avoid strategic gaps. That includes boosting European defense capabilities and ensuring that no member state is left exposed during any shift in U.S. posture.
The warning comes as NATO faces one of its most uncertain moments in decades. Trump has long criticized the alliance for what he describes as unequal burden-sharing, and recent tensions—from the Iran conflict to disputes over Greenland—have deepened mistrust.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has sought to reassure allies, acknowledging Trump’s frustrations while emphasizing that most European nations continue to support U.S. strategic objectives.
Still, behind closed doors, contingency planning is accelerating. Reports that Washington is considering reducing troop deployments in Europe have heightened concerns about the alliance’s long-term cohesion and deterrence posture.
For Turkey, hosting the summit offers both opportunity and urgency. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to leverage his relationship with Trump to maintain dialogue, even as Ankara pushes for a more independent and resilient NATO structure.
The broader stakes extend beyond internal alliance politics. With conflicts intensifying in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, NATO’s ability to project unity and strength remains central to global security.
The Ankara summit, therefore, is shaping up not just as another diplomatic gathering—but as a critical test of whether NATO can adapt to a future where American leadership is no longer guaranteed.
