Trump has had a rocky relationship with even longstanding allies. Now he’s been completely blindsided.
And the Chief of NATO’s nickname for Trump is raising everyone’s eyebrows.
Trump and Rutte Address NATO Summit Amid Middle East Tensions
The Hague, Netherlands – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte referred to President Trump as “Daddy” during a joint press conference on Wednesday, following Trump’s use of strong language while criticizing Iran and Israel for briefly violating a cease-fire agreement.
The exchange took place ahead of the NATO summit at The Hague, where Trump likened the conflict between the two nations to a schoolyard brawl.
“They’ve had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard. You know, they fight like hell, you can’t stop them. Let them fight for about 2, 3 minutes, then it’s easy to stop them,” Trump said.
Rutte responded with a laugh, adding, “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get it stopped.”
Rutte Praises Trump’s Leadership at Summit
During the press conference, Rutte highlighted Trump’s role in the summit’s success, calling him a “good friend” and crediting him with pushing European nations to increase military spending.
“When it comes to Iran, the fact that he took this decisive action, very targeted, to make sure that Iran would not be able to get his hands on a nuclear capability — I think he deserves all the praise,” Rutte said. When asked if his praise was excessive, Rutte replied, “No, I don’t think so. I think it’s a bit of a question of taste.”
The comments followed Trump’s Tuesday outburst, where he expressed frustration with both Israel and Iran. “I think they both violated it,” Trump said as he prepared for the summit.
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f–k they’re doing, do you understand?”
Shortly after, Trump announced the cease-fire was reinstated, posting on Truth Social, “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!”
Background of Rutte-Trump Rapport
Rutte’s supportive remarks built on a series of messages he sent to Trump ahead of the summit, which the president shared on Truth Social.
“Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, that was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer,” Rutte wrote in one text.
In another, he noted, “It was not easy but we’ve got them all signed onto 5 percent! Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done.”
Rutte, who previously served as Dutch prime minister, has earned the nickname “the Trump Whisperer” from some observers due to his effective communication with the president.
