Trump Embraces NATO Chief’s “Daddy” Remark Amid Ceasefire Talks
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
At the NATO Summit, Trump responds with humor to the nickname while addressing the Iran-Israel conflict and European defense commitments
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The article centers on Trump’s own comments and highlights European policy shifts he has long championed, without critical analysis.
Light-Hearted Exchange at The Hague
During a press conference marking his final appearance at the NATO Summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump responded with amusement when asked about being called “daddy” by Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump joked that Rutte “likes me, I think he likes me,” adding that if the sentiment ever changed, he would “hit him hard.”
He then mimicked Rutte’s affectionate phrasing—“‘Daddy, you’re my daddy,’”—with a broad smile. The exchange prompted an uncharacteristic laugh from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who bent forward and struggled to contain his amusement beside the usually stoic president.
Ceasefire Context and Strong Language
Earlier that day, Trump had met privately with Rutte to discuss the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which the U.S. president announced on Monday night. Although Israel carried out airstrikes before the truce took effect at 5 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, and Iran launched several missiles in response, Trump defended his intervention.
He told reporters that both nations have fought “so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” a phrase Rutte later echoed by saying, “Daddy has to use strong language.” Trump agreed, noting that sometimes “you have to use a certain word” to compel adversaries to comply.
Schoolyard Analogy and NATO Dynamics
In explaining the Middle East conflict, Trump compared Israel and Iran to “two kids in the schoolyard” who need a brief scuffle before they can be separated. Rutte’s use of “daddy” arose from this analogy, casting Trump as the disciplinarian stepping in when tempers flare.
During the press conference, a reporter pursued the metaphor further, asking whether Trump considered NATO allies as children dependent on U.S. protection. Trump replied that European nations would “need a little help at the beginning,” but he expressed confidence they “remember this day” as a turning point for their defense capabilities.
Securing Higher Defense Spending
One of Trump’s longstanding demands was reinforced at the summit: increased military spending by European members. On Wednesday, all 32 NATO countries formally committed to invest 5 percent of their GDP annually in core defense requirements and related security spending by 2035.
Trump lauded the agreement as “a very big day for NATO,” underscoring that he views higher defense budgets as essential to a stronger alliance and reduced U.S. burden.
Legacy of the “Daddy” Moniker
The playful “daddy” label has followed Trump beyond his interactions with Rutte. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has also referred to Trump in the same vein, though Carlson recently criticized the president’s decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities. The recurring nickname highlights Trump’s blend of informal rhetoric and assertive diplomacy, illustrating how his style both entertains and unsettles on the global stage.
What’s Next
Trump leaves The Hague having secured both a high-profile commitment on defense spending and a moment of levity that captivated international media. As NATO members begin to ramp up their defense budgets, attention will turn to whether the Iran-Israel ceasefire—brokered under Trump’s watch—holds in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Trump’s dynamic presence continues to shape perceptions of U.S. leadership within the alliance.
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