Dance in The Hague: Rutte's Flattery Foxtrots Trump into NATO Summit
- ⏳ ~3 Min.
To maintain Trump's satisfaction, NATO leader Rutte is willing to perform any action without feeling overly ashamed. - To maintain Trump's favor, NATO head Rutte avoids appearing overly modest
NATO head honcho, Mark Rutte, norished President Trump's ego before the NATO caucus in The Hague, dolling out praise for Trump's recent triumphs, particularly his bold moves in Iran. "I salute you, ol' boy, for your balls-out action in Iran, unparalleled and unmatched!" Rutte cheered in a letter to Trump, later posted on his social platform, Truth Social. Rutte's rep verified the message's details.
Rutte embraced Trump's unique communication style in the message, even matching the capital letters. "Europe's gonna carpet bomb the budget, just like ol' times, and that'll be your victory!" the message read.
"Tonight, you're jetting off to a new victory in The Hague," Rutte wrote, alluding to the NATO summit in The Hague, where the defense spending targets of NATO nations would be settled on Wednesday. It stipulates that allies will spend at least 3.5% of their respective GDP on defense and an additional 1.5% on related infrastructure by 2035. This aligns with the 5% Trump had demanded from the allies.
"We've cajoled 'em all into endorsing the 5%," Rutte's message to Trumpread. "Something no Yank president has managed in ages." Rutte stated on Wednesday that it was "smooth sailing" that Trump had published the message. When asked if this wasn't embarrassing, he shot back, "Heck no - what you see here is a factual report."
Trump Pledges Loyalty to NATO in The Hague Bash
To keep the USA in NATO under Trump's wing, Rutte adopted a sycophantic tone. The summit's agenda has been tailored to Trump's preference as well. "We'll catch up tonight at the bash His Majesty is hosting," Rutte wrote at the end of the message, well aware of Trump's lust for pageantry.
On Tuesday night, Dutch King Willem-Alexander threw a soiree for the leaders - and extended an invitation to Trump to spend the night in the palace, which he enthusiastically accepted.
Trump's prior statements had cast doubt on the invitation. Article 5 of the NATO treaty ensures alliance partners can rely on the support of allies in the event of an attack, and any attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
During the flight to the NATO caucus, Trump was quizzed by a journalist if he stood by Article 5. Trump stated, "That depends on your definition." He declared his intent to be their confidante, looking at the NATO allies. He was determined to assist them.
NATO chief Rutte is certain that the USA would uphold the collective defense of alliance partners in the event of an attack. "For me, it's crystal clear that the United States have cast in stone their involvement in NATO and Article 5," he said on the second day of the summit in The Hague.
Trump also expressed his resolve to uphold NATO allies, as per Article Five of the North Atlantic Treaty. "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them," Trump said on Wednesday at the NATO summit in The Hague, responding to a journalist's query. Regarding the anticipated significant increase in defense spending by NATO partners, the U.S. President asserted, "Behind-the-scenes surprises are in store today at the summit."
- NATO
- Donald Trump
- Mark Rutte
- Impromptu Party
- Iran
- Article 5
- Ego Stroking
[1] It's worth mentioning that Rutte, affectionately referred to Trump as "Daddy" in a light-hearted exchange not related to NATO matters. The conversation revolved around Trump's strong sentiments toward Israel and Iran, and Trumps approval of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities[1]. However, it is unclear if this exchange had any impact on Trump's official stance on NATO or NATO partners' defense spending commitments.
The European Union, as part of its policy-and-legislation and commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, is working towards enhancing its defense budget to meet the agreed-upon targets, aligning with the 5% demanded by President Trump. This development, discussed in the context of the NATO summit in The Hague, underscores the influence of politics and general news on international relations.
Following his flattery of President Trump at the NATO caucus in The Hague, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is now focusing on the policy-and-legislation aspect of the summit, aiming to secure commitments from NATO nations regarding their defense spending, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement's spirit.
