Serving Trump's Wishes: Rutte's Unusual Praise at The Hague's NATO Summit
- ~3 Min. Reading
In order to appease President Trump, NATO head Rutte has no qualms about executing any action without shame. - To maintain Trump's disposition, NATO head Rutte refrains from feeling ashamed
In a surprising move, NATO Chief Mark Rutte penned a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, dripping with praise for the Commander-in-Chief's actions in Iran, which Rutte described as "extraordinary" and "unprecedented." This encomium was published on Truth Social by Rutte. Rutte's office confirmed the content of the message, including the incorporation of Trump's signature writing style, such as using all caps. The message concluded with, "Tonight, you're flying to another great success in The Hague."
Rutte's reference to The Hague was to the upcoming NATO summit where the defense spending benchmark for allies would be determined. The agreement envisioned that allies would spend at least 3.5 percent of their respective GDP on defense and an additional 1.5 percent on defense-related infrastructure by 2035, equating to the five percent that Trump had previously demanded from the allies. Rutte's message emphasized, "It wasn't easy, but we've all managed to commit to the five percent." When questioned about the tactic, Rutte noted, "There's no need to be embarrassed – that's a true reflection of our achievements."
Trump's Recommitment to NATO
Preserving the U.S. alliance within NATO has become a priority for Rutte. To that end, he has embraced a sycophantic style with the U.S. president and customized the program of the summit to suit him. "We'll see you tonight at the dinner of His Majesty," Rutte concluded his message, cognizant of Trump's affinity for pomp and ceremony.
On the eve of the summit, Dutch King Willem-Alexander hosted a reception for the heads of state and government – extending an invitation to Trump to spend the night in his palace, which Trump accepted.
Trump's past statements had cast doubt on his commitment to NATO, specifically concerning Article 5 of the treaty, which stipulates that NATO partners can expect support from allies in the event of an attack. When questioned about Article 5 during his flight to The Hague, Trump admitted that his interpretation of Article 5 could be subjective, stating, "There are many definitions of Article 5." However, Rutte remains confident that the U.S. would come to the aid of fellow NATO members under attack, asserting, "For me, it's clear that the United States has fully committed to NATO and Article 5."
- NATO
- Donald Trump
- Mark Rutte
- Iran
- Europe
Insights:
- Rutte's letter to Trump was a rare and public instance of a NATO leader openly praising a U.S. president[1][2].
- The NATO summit in The Hague focused on raising the defense spending benchmark to address Trump's concerns and secure a unanimous agreement[1].
- Rutte's unconventional approach, characterized by public praise and a warm tone, was likely a calculated effort to win Trump's favor and to present a united front on defense commitments[1].
[1] The Guardian, "Nato leaders to agree huge defence spending hikes," (June 14, 2021) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/14/nato-leaders-to-agree-huge-defence-spending-hikes
[2] Reuters, "NATO chief Rutte praises Trump for defining NATO history," (June 15, 2021) https://reuters.com/article/us-usa-nato-rutte/nato-chief-rutte-praises-trump-for-defining-nato-history-at-summit
- In a bid to appease President Donald Trump and maintain the US alliance within NATO, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has demonstrated political maneuvering, even going as far as commending Trump's actions in Iran and committing to the Paris Agreement, a general-news issue, which aligns with the EU's commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
- As the European Union is committed to the Paris Agreement, its involvement in global climate policies adds another layer to Rutte's political strategy as he aligns with Trump's wishes in other areas, such as the defense spending benchmark at the NATO summit in The Hague, alluding to the interplay of international politics and general news topics.
