At a pivotal NATO summit in The Hague, Donald Trump once again emerged as a focal point in international diplomacy. On the eve of this critical gathering, a message from former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, expressed extreme admiration for the US president, declaring, “You are flying into another big success in the Hague this evening.” Rutte credited Trump with achieving what no American president had accomplished in decades—an assertion that inflamed discussions among political observers and NATO leaders alike.
Rutte’s comments came during a time of heightened tensions, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which Trump had recently escalated through military action. Rutte lauded Trump’s actions as “extremely impressive,” indicating that he saw value in showcasing strength on the global stage. This tone of informal camaraderie, comparing Trump to a paternal figure with the phrase “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” raised eyebrows but effectively softened the atmosphere around the summit discussions.
The summit was largely viewed as a significant win for NATO, especially in terms of financial commitments. For the first time, leaders unanimously agreed to push defense spending to post-Cold War highs, with a target of 5% of GDP—a figure Trump had initially floated back in January. As leaders celebrated this substantial step, many attributed this achievement to Trump’s insistence on increased spending from NATO countries.
Political analysts noted that Rutte’s overt admiration for Trump seemed to overshadow contentious topics, including Ukraine’s war with Russia, which was notably absent from the summit’s final declaration. Some leaders publicly commended Trump’s influence; Polish President Andrzej Duda remarked, “Without the leadership of Donald Trump, it would be impossible.” This sentiment resonated among NATO’s members as they collectively sought to boost military readiness in a shifting global landscape.
Trump’s own rhetoric at the summit highlighted a notable shift in his view of NATO relations. Notably, he remarked that the alliance was not a burden but a partnership aimed at mutual protection and support, saying, “These people really love their countries. It’s not a rip-off, and we’re here to help them protect their country.”
Rutte and other leaders took proactive steps to praise Trump publicly, ensuring a smooth diplomatic operation during their time together. Even potential dissenting voices regarding the defense spending commitments managed to hold their tongues in light of Trump’s assertive stance, highlighting the delicate balance required in international diplomacy with the controversial president.
Overall, the summit concluded with an atmosphere of celebration and unity over NATO’s renewed mission, with Trump firmly at the center of this historic moment of military commitment empowered by his unyielding push for increased defense funding.