Rutte said he does not see “the US leaving NATO.” At the same time, he noted the need for “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.”
He also noted that US President Donald Trump is “obviously disappointed with some members of the Alliance” and Rutte “understands his disappointment.”
As the Secretary General said, during a meeting at the White House, he discussed with Trump the benefits of the Alliance for the United States. He also noted that Europe is striving for greater responsibility within NATO, which means a transition “from unhealthy dependence to a transatlantic Alliance based on genuine partnership.”
The Secretary General emphasized that European countries and Canada are already intensifying defense efforts, and Germany, in his words, “is setting an example for many allies.” He added that such dynamics will strengthen NATO, because “a stronger NATO means a safer world for everyone.”
In May 2025, the allies agreed on a target of investing a total of 5% of GDP in defense by 2035.
On the issue of nuclear deterrence, Rutte stressed that the American nuclear umbrella remains the main guarantee of European security. At the same time, he emphasized the role of the nuclear forces of France and Great Britain, and also noted that NATO's nuclear deterrence is based on a combination of nuclear, conventional, missile defense, cyber and space capabilities.
Commenting on the global situation, the Secretary General said that Iran, along with China and North Korea, plays a role in supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. He also called Iran an “exporter of chaos” in different regions of the world.
Context
Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies and called the Alliance itself a “paper tiger.” Tensions between the United States and NATO began with Greenland: Trump sought to gain control over Greenland, which, according to him, China and the aggressor country of the Russian Federation want to seize. At the same time, a number of European countries sent their military to the island and were allegedly ready to resist America’s plans.
Against the background of the lack of support for Greenland and operations against Iran, Washington announced the likelihood of the United States leaving NATO.
CNN reported that NATO members were puzzled by Trump's harsh statements. The Alliance emphasizes that NATO is defensive in nature and is not obliged to participate in US and Israeli operations. At the same time, the allies emphasize that the principle of collective defense under Art. 5 only applies in the event of an attack on a NATO country.
In the US Senate, not everyone supports the idea of a possible weakening or withdrawal of the country from NATO. In particular, two influential senators – Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware and Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky – spoke out in a joint statement in support of the Alliance, noting its primary role in ensuring the security of the United States and its allies.
On April 9, Politico reported that Trump and Rutte's meeting at the White House was “crap,” calling it a “tirade of insults” behind closed doors.
