Donald Trump delivered a volatile performance at the NATO summit in Ankara, alternating between harsh criticism and effusive praise, according to reports.
The US president arrived visibly angry after a temporary ceasefire with Iran failed, calling Iran's leaders "scum" and "sick people" during a press briefing with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
>>> Inside the Reality of Throuples: Love, Jealousy, and the Struggle to Make It Work
He expressed severe dissatisfaction with the alliance, stating he was "not happy with Nato" and criticizing member nations, including Britain, for not aiding the US in the Iran war.
Trump also revived claims about Greenland's territory and demanded the US sever trade ties with Spain over defense spending targets.
Shift in Tone After Private Meeting
Hours later, Trump's tone shifted dramatically after a private meeting, describing the gathering as highly positive and unified.
"There was a lot of love in that room," he said.
He praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him "ingenious" for holding his country together during the war against Russia.
Analysts attributed the sudden change partly to his strong relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Trump noted he might have skipped the summit if hosted elsewhere, highlighting his close bond with the Turkish leader.
"Turkey has been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries that we thought would be loyal," Trump said.
Ian Lesser from the German Marshall Fund observed that Trump's relationship with Erdoğan helped stabilize the summit's atmosphere.
"The fact that President Trump has this apparently very close relationship with President Erdoğan probably played a role in stabilizing things," Lesser said.
