NATO's Flatterer: Mark Rutte's Divisive Diplomacy with Trump

Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, has cultivated his relationship with Donald Trump through a strategy of unceasing compliments and at times, exaggerated flattery. This tactic has yielded some results, yet it has garnered criticism from a growing number of European NATO allies who feel Rutte's sycophantic praise jeopardizes the long-term integrity of the alliance. During a recent hearing at the European Parliament, Rutte echoed Trump's rhetoric, asserting that European nations are dependent on the United States for their security and accused them of underfunding their own defenses. ‘If anyone here thinks that the European Union or Europe as a whole can defend themselves without the United States, keep dreaming,’ Rutte declared. The United States is the largest contributor to NATO, and since assuming office just before Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential elections, Rutte's priority has been to avert any potential disintegration of the alliance, a scenario Trump has often threatened. His comments in the European Parliament sparked controversy and were met with challenges from various members of the European Parliament and even from the French government, reflecting a broader discomfort with Rutte’s approach. Highlighting prior instances of Rutte's excessive flattery, one notable event occurred last summer when Trump posted a screenshot of a highly sycophantic message from Rutte. In this message, Rutte exuberantly congratulated Trump for bombing Iranian nuclear sites, employing exaggerated adjectives and emphatic punctuation typical of his style. During the NATO summit, Rutte assured Trump that European nations would heed his calls to enhance military funding. When Trump boasted about easing tensions in the conflict between Israel and Iran, Rutte even remarked, ‘Sometimes daddy has to step in with strong words to stop them,’ a bizarre metaphor that drew mockery concerning his submissive demeanor towards Trump. Trump later reminisced about how he was adored in Europe until he expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. In the case of Greenland, Rutte seems to have succeeded in his mediated discussions with Trump, who stated an agreement had been reached that would prevent him from forcefully occupying the island and withdraw tariffs against European countries opposing his ambitions. Details of this agreement remain sparse, pending negotiations in the coming weeks, but it may encompass U.S. sovereignty over existing military bases there. International media outlets have cited Rutte’s significant role in persuading Trump, largely credited to the rapport he cultivated with him. However, this relationship appears lopsided. Politico Europe reported that Rutte’s fawning demeanor starkly contrasts with the restrained posturing of other European leaders. On the same day that French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Trump’s bullying tactics, Trump shared yet another of Rutte’s flattering remarks regarding U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. In response to the backlash over his flattery, Rutte has claimed that his approach is effective, asserting that without Trump’s influence, he would not have been able to convince NATO members to bolster military spending to the targeted 5 percent of GDP. He also expressed indifference toward Trump disclosing his private messages without prior consent, maintaining that these texts align with his public stance. Reports related to Greenland have illustrated that Rutte's tactic is emblematic of his previous tenure in political office. Serving as Prime Minister of the Netherlands for 14 consecutive years from 2010 to 2024, he adeptly governed amid a politically fragmented landscape, showcasing his negotiation skills and willingness to engage with diverse political actors, including adversaries. Even as NATO's Secretary General, Rutte is renowned for his accessibility, with a reputation for promptly responding to messages from political leaders. Known for inviting European heads of state to informal dinners in The Hague, his pragmatic, non-ideological approach reflects a long-standing motto of his: ‘If you want vision, you should see an eye doctor.’ As the NATO landscape continues to evolve, Rutte’s tactics may play a critical role in navigating diplomatic waters, yet the balance between flattery and strong leadership remains a precarious and contentious point under scrutiny from both allies and critics alike. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2