NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte raised eyebrows on Wednesday after jokingly referring to US President Donald Trump as “Daddy” during light-hearted exchanges ahead of the alliance’s summit.
The unusual nickname emerged during a conversation in which Trump likened the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel to schoolchildren having a playground brawl. “They’ve had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard,” said Trump. “They fight like hell. You can’t stop them. Let them go for two or three minutes, then it’s easier to intervene.”
Rutte, playing along, remarked, “And then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.”
His comment was a nod to Trump’s explicit and fiery remarks before departing for the summit, during which he lashed out about the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel. “They’ve been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what they’re doing, do you understand that?” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump laughed in response to Rutte’s joke, acknowledging the reference to his earlier outburst. “Everyone said, ‘Well, you have to use a certain word,’” he said.
Although Trump is known for his blunt style, public use of strong language remains rare for him, making the expletive a standout moment.
Rutte, who has worked hard to maintain a smooth relationship with the US president, appeared eager to keep the summit tension-free. From hosting Trump overnight at the royal palace to limiting the summit’s length, the Dutch leader—already dubbed the “Trump Whisperer”—made every effort to appease the American president, who has long voiced frustration over NATO’s cost-sharing.
When asked if calling Trump “Daddy” was unbecoming for a NATO chief, Rutte dismissed concerns. “No, I don’t think so,” he said. “It’s a matter of taste.” He described Trump as a “good friend” who deserved recognition for both his firm stance on Iran and his success in pushing NATO countries to increase defence spending.
