Biden Reiterates Support for Sweden's Bid to Join NATO Alliance

President Joe Biden expressed support for Sweden’s bid to join the NATO alliance when Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited the White House Wednesday. 

Details: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both Sweden and Finland changed course after decades of neutrality and applied to join NATO. Finland’s bid was approved in April. Sweden’s bid, however, is being held up by Turkey, another NATO member. A new entry into the alliance must secure approval from all existing members of NATO, which includes 31 countries. Turkey claims Sweden is harboring members of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. Next week, NATO members are meeting at the Vilnius Summit, where Sweden’s bid will be considered. 

Key Quotes: “Sweden is a capable and committed partner,” Biden said. “I want to reiterate the United States fully, fully, fully supports Sweden’s membership in NATO. The bottom line is simple: Sweden is going to make our alliance stronger.” At the meeting, Biden told Kristersson he is “anxiously looking forward to your membership” in the alliance. Kristersson told Biden, “We also do think that we have things to contribute” to NATO. On Monday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his opposition, stating, “We have made it clear that the determined fight against terrorist organizations and Islamophobia are our red line.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage of the visit was mild in left-rated and center-rated outlets, very light in right-rated outlets, and focused almost exclusively on the NATO application roadblock.