NATO summit begins amid uncertainty over future US role

The NATO Summit, a defense alliance established in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion, commences today in Washington, D.C., with the future of the alliance hanging in the balance due to potential political changes in the United States.The summit is taking place in the city where the treaty was signed 75 years ago, with a focus on supporting Ukraine over the next three days. "We've been working closely together to make sure as things move forward, Ukraine has what it needs to stand strongly on its own feet militarily, economically, democratically," said Sec. Antony Blinken from the State Department.The State Department is working to ensure Ukraine's future in NATO. Some are considering the use of the term "irreversible" to describe its path to membership. However, this is still uncertain due to increasing Russian aggression."The future relationship of Ukraine with NATO is still the main conundrum that we need to sort out," said Tara Varma from The Brookings Institution.As doubts grow over President Biden's re-election chances, some governments are discussing how to ensure NATO and Western support will continue if former President Donald Trump, a known critic of the alliance, returns to the White House."One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said well sir.. if we don't pay and we're attacked by Russia.. will you protect us.. I said you didn't pay – you're delinquent... and he said yes, let's say that happened... no I would not protect you – in fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want," said former President Donald Trump in February.As President Biden is facing increased scrutiny from foreign leaders and domestic constituents, he claims the summit is an opportunity to evaluate his continued ability to perform his duties.