Trump at the NATO summit: "We don't need our allies' money, I just want loyalty."

The US President addresses Iran, NATO, Ukraine, Turkey, energy and domestic policy during a long press briefing at the White House ahead of the Atlantic Alliance summit.

US President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy series of statements in the Oval Office before leaving for the NATO summit, addressing numerous foreign and domestic policy issues, from relations with Atlantic Alliance allies to the situation in Iran, the war in Ukraine, relations with Turkey, and the US energy market.

Among the most significant steps, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of some NATO allies during the recent crisis with Iran.

“We were disappointed by our NATO allies”

Responding to a question about how Alliance partners can help improve cooperation, Trump said:

We were disappointed. We didn't need any help at all in this situation. We literally destroyed them in the first week, but it would have been nice if they'd said, 'We'd like to help you.'"

The president added that he was “disappointed” by the attitude of several allies, while reiterating his esteem for NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

“I just want their loyalty”

Asked what he concretely expects from allied countries, Trump replied:

"I just want their loyalty. We don't need their money, we don't need anything. We have by far the most powerful army in the world, but I just want loyalty."

A statement that confirms the American administration's position on the role of the United States within the Atlantic Alliance.

Ukraine, Trump: "Zelensky is resisting"

Speaking about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the US president expressed a moderately positive assessment of Kiev's stability.

Referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said:

"He's doing pretty well. He's managing to hold out, at least for now."

The words come as the war continues to be a central theme of the NATO summit.

The relationship with Erdoğan and Turkey

Trump also spoke about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling him a personal friend.

«He's a friend of mine and he stayed out of the war.»

And yet:

“I love the United States, but he loves Turkey and is doing a great job.”

Regarding the possible deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, Trump left the answer to Vice President J.D. Vance, who explained:

"We are verifying all the necessary steps and confirming that they have been followed. This is really a matter for Congress and the need to ensure that Turkey has complied with American law."

Iran: Negotiations and investigation into school bombing

Speaking about the American investigation into the attack on an Iranian school, Trump expressed caution.

“I don’t know if they’ll ever fully resolve this issue, in terms of liability, because there were missiles flying everywhere.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is taking the investigation “very seriously” and that the findings will be made public at an appropriate time.

On the negotiations with Tehran, Trump instead declared:

«Negotiations with Iran are going very well.»

Asked whether any future agreement would include fees or charges related to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the president replied:

«I wouldn't allow it there either.»

Attack on Democrats and Socialism

During the press briefing, Trump also commented on recent political dynamics within the Democratic Party.

Referring to Dan Goldman, a former prosecutor involved in proceedings against him, he said:

"They defeated a man named Dan Goldman. A loser. He was one of my attorneys, one of the many attorneys they used against me. Dan Goldman wasn't a good attorney, fortunately, but now he's looking for work."

Asked about the implications for the 2028 elections, the president responded:

“It should make things easier for Republicans.”

Trump also launched a harsh attack on socialist and communist ideologies:

"If you look back thousands of years in history, socialism and communism have always existed under different names. They've never worked, and they won't work this time either."

Schumer and the joke about the Palestinian gift

Among the most controversial statements were those addressed to the Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer.

Trump said:

"Chuck Schumer, who was a strong supporter of Israel, has become 100 percent Palestinian. In fact, I've asked for a beautiful silk dress in the Palestinian tradition to be made. I'll send it to him as a birthday present."

Energy and gasoline prices

On the economic front, the president confirmed that he had held talks with executives of major oil companies.

According to Trump, fuel prices should be significantly lower:

"We're not seeing the prices we should be seeing at the pumps. In my opinion, gasoline should be around $2,25 a gallon right now."

He also reported that he had personally warned the managers of the sector:

“I told them, ‘Don’t take advantage of our people.’”

Housing, interest rates and housing policy

Responding to a question about a proposed housing bill, Trump reiterated his opposition to signing the measure.

"I know real estate better than anyone, perhaps better than anyone in the world. It's all about interest rates. Lower the rates and you can have all the houses you want."

Adding:

“I don’t even want to harm people who already own a home.”

Towards the NATO summit

The president's remarks concluded shortly after 5:00 p.m. local time. In the Oval Office, Trump was joined by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ben Whittaker, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain, and adviser Natalie Harp.

The statements come on the eve of a particularly sensitive NATO summit, marked by tensions in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and discussions on the future role of the United States within the Atlantic Alliance.