NATO head to make pitch for trans-Atlantic unity

WASHINGTON (AP) – The head of NATO is using the alliance’s 70th anniversary to make an unprecedented pitch to a joint meeting of Congress for trans-Atlantic unity.

Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday will be the first NATO secretary-general to make such an address.

The venue highlights the strained relations between President Donald Trump and NATO members that have long looked to the United States for leadership and support in defending Europe and North America.

Trump has questioned the value of NATO, its benefit to the United States and the motive of members he considers to be freeloaders.

Stoltenberg is a two-time former prime minister of Norway and has praised Trump for pushing members to spend more on defense. He said before his speech that the invitation to appear before Congress was an expression U.S. public support.