U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to attend the NATO leaders' summit, joining heads of state and government from across the alliance for talks expected to focus on collective defense, regional security and burden sharing.
Trump's aircraft landed at Ankara Airport, where he was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before departing for the Presidential Complex where he was expected to hold talks with the president. On Air Force One, Trump was accompanied by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This was also the inaugural flight abroad for the new presidential plane gifted by Qatar with Trump aboard. Ankara Airport, originally Etimesgut Airport, was heavily modified and had its runways expanded specifically for leaders and delegations arriving for the NATO summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump is greeted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara, Türkiye, July 7, 2026. (Reuters Photo)
The two-day gathering is expected to bring together leaders from NATO's 32 member states, with discussions set to cover defense spending, Russia's war in Ukraine, the alliance's deterrence posture and broader security challenges.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump at the airport, Ankara, Türkiye, July 7, 2026. (AFP Photo)
