Trump Advocates U.S. Control of Greenland, Lifts Sanctions on Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — On Tuesday, President Donald Trump emphasized the need for Greenland to be under U.S. control rather than Denmark’s authority. His statement heightened tensions in Europe amidst a NATO summit aiming to satisfy his demands through arms deals.

Trump highlighted Greenland’s significance to the U.S., claiming it is surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships and asserting that he would protect it from threats. He stated, “That should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark,” during his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

The NATO alliance’s foundation lies in mutual defense among its 32 members, who pledge not to seize each other’s territories. At the summit, European nations and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte were addressing Trump’s long-standing complaint regarding European defense spending.

Trump also announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Turkey. These sanctions were initially imposed following Turkey’s purchase of a Russian missile defense system, resulting in its expulsion from the F-35 fighter jet program. This decision reflects Trump’s cordial relationship with Erdogan.

Trump cited his good relationship with Erdogan as justification for removing barriers to F-35 sales. While legal issues persist that might affect Turkey’s reintegration into the program, lifting sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act would facilitate this move.

Erdogan aims to regain access to the F-35 fighter jets. Trump remarked, “We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are working on the matter.

Front row from left, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker were present at the summit. Trump expressed willingness to consider selling F-35s to Turkey, mentioning that “Turkey’s been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries.” Erdogan expressed hope for acquiring the jets, stating the U.S. president stands by his word.

Erdogan welcomed Trump with an elaborate ceremony with military officials on horseback and aircraft emitting colored smoke in the air. When asked about the nature of their relationship, Trump responded that “there’s a chemistry that works between us,” indicating that sometimes people get along with “the toughest people.”

Concerns arise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Turkey’s potential acquisition of the F-35s. Netanyahu argues that selling the jets to Turkey would jeopardize Israel’s safety, stating, “This is not a force for peace and stability.” He anticipates aggression following such an empowerment.

U.S. lawmakers also oppose Turkey receiving the F-35 as long as they possess the Russian missile defense system S-400. Even with sanctions lifted, Turkey faces restrictions under U.S. law regarding the purchase of these fighter jets.

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NATO showcased substantial defense spending during the summit, investing billions of dollars. Mark Rutte described these efforts as “money well spent” aimed at meeting Trump’s concerns.

At the summit, they unveiled military initiatives worth billions. Despite being billed as NATO’s “big reveal,” specific figures were absent, and many projects had earlier agreements.

Swedish manufacturer Saab will provide up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft to a consortium of 10 countries, as announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. He called this a “moment of great pride.” Furthermore, funds from the European Union provided through inexpensive defense loans are involved, amounting to $170 billion.

Airbus will collaboratively supply refueling and transport planes to 15 nations. Rutte also announced a four-nation acquisition of up to five Triton surveillance drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to consider Ukraine’s membership, advocating that Ukraine’s armed forces can enhance NATO’s defensive capabilities due to their experience. He highlighted Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets and claimed significant Russian troop casualties.

Zelenskyy emphasized that their war with Russia, entering its fifth year, was not sought but necessary, expressing no pride in their efforts. With Putin struggling to secure victory, some European nations fear potential Russian hybrid attacks combining warfare with cyberattacks.

A senior NATO official argued that despite Russia’s reckless actions, including airspace breaches over several countries, NATO has succeeded in deterring any attack from Moscow. The official remained anonymous while briefing reporters.

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London, Andy Wilks in Istanbul, and Michelle L. Price and Collin Binkley in Washington contributed to this report.