As the NATO summit opens in Ankara, Turkey highlights its close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure his participation despite tensions within the alliance. Multiple reports say Trump has repeatedly criticized other European NATO members in recent weeks, including by questioning their defense spending and floating the idea of reducing or withdrawing U.S. forces from Europe. In contrast, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is described as capitalizing on personal rapport with Trump to secure the U.S. president’s attendance. Sources report that Trump says Erdogan called him and urged him to come so that the United States is “in” the summit. Ahead of the meeting, Turkey stages a public-facing diplomatic effort, including an air show and naming a new airport building after Trump. Several outlets also note that Erdogan’s visit could include defense-related developments, with references to possible U.S. steps involving Turkish requests for jet engines and fighter aircraft. At the same time, reporting places the summit amid broader issues that loom over NATO discussions, including security concerns involving Ukraine and Iran and ongoing friction between the United States and some allies. Erdogan and Trump are expected to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines.