NATO May End Annual Summits to Avoid Trump Tensions
According to six anonymous sources who spoke to Reuters, NATO is contemplating the discontinuation of its annual summits. This decision may help circumvent a potentially fraught meeting with US President Donald Trump during his last year in office. The Trump administration has consistently voiced harsh critiques of the other 31 members of the US-led defense alliance. In reply to a question from Reuters, a NATO representative remarked, "NATO will persist in conducting regular gatherings of heads of state and government, and in the intervals between summits, NATO allies will keep consulting, planning, and making decisions regarding our collective security."
Key facts
- NATO is considering ending annual summits.
- Six sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
- The move could avoid a tense encounter with Trump.
- Trump's administration has criticized many NATO members.
- NATO has 31 other members besides the US.
- A NATO official confirmed regular meetings will continue.
- The official statement emphasized continued consultation and planning.
Entities
Institutions
- NATO
- Reuters