At the Hague NATO summit, Secretary-General Mark Rutte referred to President Trump as “Daddy” while crediting him for securing a historic alliance agreement—one that redefined transatlantic dynamics and reignited questions about NATO’s future.
At a Glance
- Rutte thanked Trump for brokering a defense pledge of 5% GDP by 2035.
- He praised Trump’s military action against Iran and pressure on Europe.
- Spain dissented; EU nations called for more strategic independence.
- “Daddy” remark drew both approval and concern from diplomats.
- NATO’s institutional cohesion faces pressure from Trump-era methods.
Rutte’s Flattery Secures 5% Pact
During the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, Rutte used both formal praise and personal charm to thank Trump for pushing member states toward a 5% defense spending target. His phrasing—reportedly cleared with Trump’s aides—was described as “a direct appeal to ego, but effective,” according to Time.
Trump responded enthusiastically, crediting Rutte for “recognizing leadership,” and reiterated his long-standing demand for greater burden-sharing. Observers noted the shift from institutional policy to personality-driven negotiation, with several leaders opting for similar flattery.
Watch a report: NATO’s Rutte Denies Calling Trump ‘Daddy’
Diplomacy with a ‘Daddy’ Twist
In an eyebrow-raising moment, Rutte said, “Daddy sometimes needs to use strong language to get them to stop,” a remark that lit up diplomatic channels and social media alike. According to ABC News, the comment was interpreted as deliberate flattery meant to secure continued U.S. engagement in NATO.
Analysts at The Guardian argue the moment underscored deeper cracks in NATO unity, noting that such personalization “masks but does not mend” long-standing tensions over Ukraine and defense obligations.
Aftermath and Tensions
While hailed as a diplomatic win, the agreement masked internal dissent. Financial Times reported that Eastern European ministers questioned whether U.S. support would last beyond Trump’s tenure, and Spain formally rejected the 5% target, opting instead for a 2.1% ceiling.
Rutte, however, has embraced the outcome as a triumph of interpersonal diplomacy. Whether future summits replicate this approach—or reject it as theatrical—remains a key question.
What Comes Next
Capitals across Europe now face pressure to meet the 5% commitment by 2035, while defending it at home. The era of “Daddy diplomacy” has opened a new, unpredictable chapter in alliance politics—one that may hinge more on charisma than consensus.
