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Biden’s NATO Summit Performance Raises Concerns Amidst Strong Alliance Showing

As President Joe Biden greeted leaders and posed for photos on Wednesday, foreign diplomats were glued to his movements, highly attuned to the tenor of his voice — waiting, in many cases, to see the version of the president they saw in that first debate. | Evan Vucci/AP

Biden’s Perceived Frailty Causes Unease Among NATO Officials

President Joe Biden’s appearance at what could be his final NATO Summit has highlighted a striking contrast: a president seen as physically and politically frail against the backdrop of an alliance that has never been stronger. This tension is not lost on NATO officials from multiple European nations, who express alarm over Biden’s apparent decline and concern about the potential return of Donald Trump, who has previously shown hostility toward the alliance.

Diplomats’ Reactions

A senior European diplomat captured the unease, stating, “It’s a very weird feeling to be in Europe listening to the president of the United States, and you’re more stressed about whether he will go off script than being excited to listen to the leader of the free world.” These officials, while applauding Biden’s efforts and leadership, are increasingly resigned to the possibility of his defeat in the upcoming election, fearing that it could halt or reverse the momentum NATO has built, particularly in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

NATO’s Strong Showing Overshadowed

Despite NATO’s recent accomplishments, such as the acceleration of defense spending by many member countries and significant new commitments to Ukraine’s defense, the focus on Biden’s political troubles has overshadowed these achievements. Biden’s solo press conference was seen as a critical moment, both for his political fortunes and the alliance’s unity, with diplomats closely monitoring his performance for any signs of frailty or missteps.

Concerns About Trump’s Potential Return

The prospect of Trump’s return to the White House has many NATO officials on edge. Trump previously berated NATO allies for their defense spending and even threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance. Despite Biden’s strong stance on Ukraine and NATO’s unified commitment, the lingering focus on his potential weaknesses detracts from the broader strategic discussions. This concern is echoed by former U.S. ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder, who noted that European allies are preparing for a potential Trump administration by increasing their strategic autonomy.

Leaders’ Statements and Future Outlook

During the summit, leaders like Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed their concerns about the political polarization in the U.S. and the implications for NATO. De Croo emphasized the importance of the American democratic process while stressing NATO’s resilience. Frederiksen, speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the importance of the transatlantic alliance regardless of U.S. political outcomes.

Estonia’s defense minister, Hanno Pevkur, summed up the uncertainty, indicating that the future of U.S. support for Ukraine might only become clear after the next president takes office. This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension among NATO officials who are keenly aware of the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

Conclusion

Biden’s performance at the NATO Summit underscores a critical moment for both his political future and the alliance’s stability. As NATO officials and world leaders navigate this uncertain landscape, the focus remains on maintaining the alliance’s strength and unity while preparing for potential changes in U.S. leadership.

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