The NATO Summit held in The Hague on Wednesday became the stage for an unexpected display of camaraderie when NATO Chief Mark Rutte playfully referred to President Donald Trump as "daddy." This moment of levity stood in stark contrast to the gravity of the discussions taking place, which centered on pivotal defense commitments and the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
During a press conference at the conclusion of the summit, President Trump was questioned about the unusual term of endearment. With a characteristic grin, Trump retorted, "No, he likes me, I think he likes me! If he doesn’t, I’ll let you know and come back and hit him hard, OK?" He further described Rutte's words as being expressed "very affectionately," mimicking the phrase, "‘Daddy, you’re my daddy.’"
The scene was made all the more amusing by the presence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who, despite his usually reserved public persona, couldn't help but laugh during the exchange. The origins of the "daddy" nickname can be traced back to earlier conversations in a bilateral meeting focused on the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Here, Trump voiced his exasperation with the protracted conflict, candidly telling reporters, "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing."
Rutte's light-hearted response, "Daddy has to use strong language," came after Trump's blunt expression of frustration. Trump concurred, asserting the necessity of strong language occasionally. Trump's candidness is not new; his penchant for direct language has been consistently documented, including instances at campaign rallies and White House briefings.
Addressing the ceasefire, Trump conveyed a sense of assurance that peace would be maintained, comparing the conflict to a schoolyard brawl that becomes easier to stop after letting it run its course. Rutte's "daddy" comment was a playful nod to this analogy.
When probed on his view of NATO allies as potentially being akin to children in need of guidance, Trump acknowledged their attentiveness and appreciation for U.S. support and leadership. He cautiously expressed optimism that European countries would eventually be capable of independent defense, albeit with initial U.S. assistance.
One of the summit’s most notable achievements was the unanimous agreement by all 32 NATO member nations to fulfill a defense spending goal, a policy long championed by Trump. They committed to allocating 5 percent of their GDP annually towards defense and security by 2035, marking a significant move towards more equitable burden-sharing among allies.
Trump's relaxed and forthright approach throughout the summit served as a reminder of his unconventional style in international diplomacy. His blend of humor and directness contrasts sharply with the traditional formality of such gatherings. Nevertheless, his emphasis on defense spending and alliance commitments underscores the administration's and NATO's ongoing priorities.
