Media: Donald Trump plans to attend NATO summit in Ankara

US President Donald Trump has reportedly informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that he intends to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July, Middle East Eye reports, citing several sources familiar with the matter.

The reported commitment contrasts with comments Trump made in April, when he said he was seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO and expressed frustration with the alliance.

During a phone conversation with Erdoğan on May 20, however, Trump reportedly adopted a different tone and indicated that he planned to travel to Ankara for the summit.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said over the weekend that Erdoğan had spoken with Trump multiple times over the past month and that at no point did the US president suggest he would skip the meeting.

Some reports have also indicated that Erdoğan hopes to meet Trump in Los Angeles during the US–Türkiye World Cup match scheduled for June 25.

Sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye that Erdoğan frequently attends football matches involving the Turkish national team and could seek a meeting with Trump if he travels to Los Angeles. They added, however, that no final decision has been made regarding such a visit.

Trump is also expected to follow through on his long-promised visit to Türkiye after Erdoğan visited Washington during both of Trump’s presidential terms and received assurances of a reciprocal trip.

At the same time, officials cautioned that Trump is known for changing course unexpectedly and that no plans have been formally finalised.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov