The Midweek Update – HE ALMOST DIDN’T GO: Why Trump Snubbed NATO for Erdogan – July 8, 2026

Susan Kokinda breaks down the NATO summit in Ankara, where President Trump signaled a new foreign-policy dynamic by prioritizing Turkey and President Erdogan—nearly skipping the summit, praising Turkey’s independent role on Iran, and floating renewed F-35 sales despite Turkey’s S-400 purchase and its ties to both Moscow and Kiev. In contrast, European leaders and Canada’s Mark Carney arrived with a “Resilience” agenda—claiming Europe can stand without the U.S.—after months of planning that included Carney’s coordination and MI6 guidance on “managing” Trump. She argues that posture is undermined by Europe’s industrial decline: falling German production, Volkswagen’s expected job cuts, and Britain’s shrinking steel capacity, while Carney’s answer amounts to new defense and Ukraine lending facilities. Finally, she frames Putin’s July 4 call with Trump—its emphasis on shared historical ties and “colossal” cooperation potential, including a joint space launch—as evidence the old geopolitical rules are breaking down.00:00 The Midweek Update – HE ALMOST DIDN’T GO: Why Trump Snubbed NATO for Erdogan – July 8, 202601:39 Trump in Turkey05:04 Europe Walks Into the Corner09:18 The Phone Call, and Russia