Political Analysis: President Trump has transformed NATO into an entity with a commercial approach, demanding allies to increase defense spending.

American President Donald Trump changed the nature of NATO, transforming it into an alliance with a commercial approach, according to a Politico analysis. Under his leadership, European leaders were forced to significantly increase their defense spending, investing heavily in American weaponry, especially to support Ukraine.

The NATO summit on July 7-8, 2026, which will take place in Ankara, will address the financial dimension of the alliance, with the U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker, emphasizing the importance of increasing defense production in Europe. In 2025, defense spending by European and Canadian allies increased by 20%, reaching 2.77% of GDP, equivalent to 574 billion dollars.

Trump called for allocating 5% of GDP for defense, straining transatlantic relations. In the face of American pressures, Europe ordered weaponry worth 300 billion dollars from the U.S., but European leaders remain concerned about dependence on American security.

The Ankara summit will highlight spending and security commitments, in the context where Trump questioned the U.S. commitment to the mutual defense pact. The final text of the summit suggests a desire to reaffirm commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.