Rutte causes stir calling Trump 'Daddy' at NATO summit
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Rutte has referenced Trump's profanity-laced rant earlier this week when he expressed frustration about the fragility of the Iran-"Israel" ceasefire.
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US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as he arrives for a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025 (AP)
US President Donald Trump picked up an unexpected new nickname at the NATO summit on Wednesday, courtesy of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte: “Daddy.”
The exchange took place as the two leaders bantered before official meetings. Trump likened the ongoing war on Iran to a "schoolyard brawl".
"They've had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard," he said. "You know, they fight like hell. You can't stop them. Let them fight for about two, three minutes, then it's easier to stop."
Rutte responded, "And then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language."
The remark referenced Trump’s profanity-laced rant earlier this week, when he expressed frustration about the fragility of the Iran-"Israel" ceasefire.
Behind the scenes, reports emerged that Trump had raised his voice at Netanyahu during a tense phone call, demanding an immediate halt to the Israeli assault: “Stop the attack,” he reportedly shouted, treating the ceasefire as his personal victory.
Trump uses expletive language
The two had been "fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing, do you understand that?" Trump said at the White House, surprising many with the rare public use of an expletive.
Trump laughed at Rutte’s jab, admitting, "Everyone said 'Well, you have to use a certain word.'"
Behind the scenes, Rutte had gone to great lengths to ensure a smooth summit with Trump, who has frequently criticized NATO spending. From shortening the summit's schedule to hosting Trump at the Dutch royal palace, Rutte earned praise and revived his own nickname as the “Trump Whisperer".
Asked whether calling Trump “Daddy” was inappropriate for a NATO chief, Rutte dismissed concerns, “No, I don’t think so. I think it’s a bit of a question of taste.”
He went on to describe Trump as a “good friend” who “deserves all the praise," whether for taking “decisive action” against Iran or for pressuring NATO members to increase defense spending.
