Allies to appease Trump at NATO summit

A year after Trump forced NATO allies to agree to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, member countries will try to convince him they are making progress, AFP reports.

While they have until 2035 to reach this goal, the US president will want to see evidence that Europe is addressing a problem that has long vexed him.

"This should be a demonstration to Trump of the success he has achieved and that everyone is grateful to him for pushing them to do this," said a NATO diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

But while overall budgets have grown, there are weaknesses that could irritate Trump: three countries, specifically the Czech Republic and Slovenia, are expected to fall short of the 2 percent threshold this year.

Allies will try to convince Trump that they support his efforts regarding Iran and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Although Trump has reached a preliminary agreement with Iran, the situation remains volatile, and any escalation of the conflict could still overshadow the summit.

Trump is still reeling from Europe's reaction to the war, with several countries restricting the use of bases for American troops.

To demonstrate their readiness, France and the United Kingdom have developed plans for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz, and the countries have deployed assets such as minesweepers to the area if necessary.

NATO itself will likely play a minor direct role, but European support could blunt Trump's criticism.

Beyond overall defense spending figures, NATO also wants to show Trump that it's turning money into expanded capabilities.

NATO diplomats and officials report that countries have been asked to hold off on announcing major deals to create a greater impact in Ankara.

According to officials, contracts worth billions of dollars are to be signed with American and European companies at a parallel forum.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is eager for Trump, known for his love of high-profile deals, to personally oversee this business boom.

The summit's location and its host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are also expected to impress the White House.

"If it weren't for the fact that the summit is being hosted in Turkey by President Erdogan, I probably wouldn't have gone," Trump said.

The summit's location could prove attractive: Erdogan's gigantic, marble-clad presidential palace.

As with last year's summit in The Hague, NATO plans to keep this summit short.

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