In what seems to be a digital take on stabilising geopolitical alliances, Mark Rutte–the secretary general of NATO–has been revealed to have texted US President Donald Trump, praising the US' latest offence against Iran.
Rutte's message–which seemed a casual approach to praise Trump–is viewed by those in the field as a way for NATO to maintain its alliance with the US, especially given the superpower is a key driving force for the organisation.
What's In Rutte's Text to Trump?
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that Rutte congratulated and thanked him for his so-called 'decisive action' in Iran, stating that it 'was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do' and even adding that 'it makes us all safer.'
'Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe and the world. You will achieve something no American president in decades could get done,' Rutte stated.
The NATO leader also quipped in the text that Europe will 'pay' Trump in a 'big way'.
It is worth noting that this post comes ahead of Trump's visit to The Netherlands for the NATO Summit this year. However, the President has shown uncertainty on mutual agreements with the organisation's member states and has offered vague commitments to having NATO members as 'friends'.
Rutte's Mastery in Securing Trump Support
Analysts noted that when Mark Rutte became NATO chief, he aimed to keep Donald Trump engaged with the alliance. Ahead of his first NATO summit in The Hague, Rutte appears to have secured Trump's support with a deal that lets him claim a win on defence spending—framing it as five per cent of GDP, though only 3.5% is for core military needs.
'He's been quite masterful in keeping the alliance together in a challenging and sensitive period,' a senior NATO diplomat said, speaking anonymously.
Rutte's flattery, diplomacy, and refusal to challenge Trump directly have helped preserve unity amid US threats to withdraw support. While some European leaders were uneasy, Rutte's skilful compromise-building ultimately ensured success and maintained NATO cohesion during a tense period.
'Clearly, the job is to keep the United States engaged as much as you can, even if it means that you have to sound a bit like Donald Trump occasionally,' said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now with the Chatham House.
Trump-NATO Relationship Still a Mixed Bag
Despite Trump's 'gleeful' tone regarding Rutte's text, the US President has long criticised NATO as 'obsolete,' arguing that the US disproportionately bears the financial burden and even suggesting that allies' pay their bills' or risk losing US protection.
During his first term, he threatened withdrawal and questioned automatic defence under Article 5 while pressuring allies to boost spending.
This year, Trump still insists NATO partners raise defence spending—ideally to 5% of GDP—yet excludes the US from that requirement, asserting it's unfair for America to match that level.
Despite all of this. NATO continues cautiously 'Trump‑proofing' its strategy—streamlining summit planning and messaging to minimise transactional tensions—while reaffirming unity amidst ongoing US unpredictability.
