NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stunned critics and allies alike last week with a bold—and unusually personal—endorsement of former President Donald Trump. At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, Rutte credited Trump’s leadership with securing the Alliance’s most ambitious defense pledge yet: a 5% GDP spending target across all 32 member nations by 2035. The comments, ranging from warm appreciation to eyebrow-raising flattery, immediately lit up diplomatic circles and social media.
NATO Chief Stuns Critics with Praise for Trump’s Unshakable Loyalty to the Alliance
| Insight | Stat |
|---|---|
| NATO members pledge 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 | Confirmed at June 24–25 summit |
| Rutte praised Trump’s strikes on Iran | Called them “truly extraordinary” |
| Twitter term for Rutte? “Trump Whisperer” | Rutte’s rapport drew that label |
From Applause to Awkward: Rutte’s Risky Praise
In a packed press briefing on June 25, Rutte stunned the room by calling Trump’s strikes on Iranian missile sites “decisive” and “a show of loyalty to NATO’s shared security.” While intended as strategic praise, things took a sharp turn when Rutte jokingly referred to Trump as “Daddy”—a moment that went viral almost instantly.
“I meant it lightheartedly,” Rutte later clarified, smiling during a follow-up interview. “But yes, Donald Trump deserves credit. He moved the needle for us all.” Trump, never one to miss a media moment, posted the exchange on Truth Social within hours, adding: “Mark gets it. NATO needed a wake-up call. We gave it one.”
The 5% Pledge: A Historic Shift
Since NATO’s founding in 1949, defense commitments have been a perennial point of friction. Trump’s previous push for 2% GDP targets sparked both criticism and compliance. But this new 5% threshold—agreed at the 2025 summit—marks a radical escalation in Alliance readiness goals.
The commitment covers more than just military hardware. Member states pledged broader investments in cybersecurity, energy resilience, and rapid deployment capabilities—areas experts say are vital to countering modern threats.
“This was no small feat,” said Emma Dries, a defense analyst with the Atlantic Council. “Love or loathe Trump’s style, Rutte was playing the long game. He ensured buy-in from a president who once called NATO ‘obsolete.’”
A Double-Edged Sword
“It’s one thing to secure defense pledges,” said Dr. Tobias Klemm, a Berlin-based security expert. “It’s another to compromise the Alliance’s diplomatic tone. Rutte’s remarks risk setting a precedent where praise replaces policy.”
Others voiced concern that rewarding Trump with public accolades might embolden him or similar leaders to tie cooperation to personal adulation rather than shared values. A senior EU official, speaking anonymously, told The Guardian, “This is flattery dressed as diplomacy. NATO’s not a fan club.”
Behind the Curtain: A Veteran’s Perspective
Having reported from five NATO summits, I’ve seen plenty of diplomatic pageantry—but this one felt different. Rutte’s approach, while jarring, might’ve been the only language Trump responds to. And here’s the thing: it worked. For now.
But I also remember covering quieter, more procedural summits where long-term strategies—not zingers or viral clips—did the real work of coalition building. If personal diplomacy becomes the norm, we may be trading staying power for short-term showmanship.
What Comes Next?
The Alliance has emerged from The Hague stronger on paper. But much depends on whether this strength translates to sustained collaboration—especially in crises.
Key questions remain:
- Will all 32 nations hit the 5% target, or will some fall short like before?
- Can NATO handle another flashpoint—say, in the Taiwan Strait or Caucasus—without this level of presidential charm?
For now, Rutte has bought NATO time and commitment. Whether it holds depends on the next chapter of Trump’s political journey—and the world’s tolerance for flattery as foreign policy.
FAQs
Did NATO really agree to spend 5% of GDP on defense?
Yes. As part of the 2025 Hague summit outcomes, all member nations signed onto a collective goal of 5% GDP defense spending by 2035.
Was Rutte’s “Daddy” comment serious?
No. Rutte used the term playfully during a press moment with Trump. Though intended humorously, it drew mixed reactions from diplomatic observers.
Why did Rutte praise Trump so strongly?
Rutte aimed to maintain U.S. engagement with NATO and to secure Trump’s support for the 5% defense deal. His strategy relied on personal rapport and flattery—something that’s proven effective with Trump in past negotiations.
