In an unexpectedly candid and light-hearted exchange during the NATO summit in The Hague, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte referred to President Donald Trump as “daddy”—a moment that instantly lit up social media and underscored the peculiar blend of diplomacy and showmanship that continues to define Trump’s presence on the global stage.
The remark came as the two leaders addressed reporters following a historic week in which Trump helped broker a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran after a sharp escalation that included U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. While the stakes of the summit were enormous, the tone briefly shifted when Trump, describing the Israeli-Iranian tensions, quipped, “Like two kids in a schoolyard… you let them fight for about two-three minutes, then it’s easier to stop them.”
NEW: Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte refers to President Trump as ‘Daddy’ while Trump was talking about Israel & Iran’s peace deal.
Trump: They had a big fight. Like two kids in a schoolyard. Let them fight for about two minutes. Then it’s easier to stop them.
Rutte: And… pic.twitter.com/dpG7C7bakY
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 25, 2025
Rutte, a seasoned Dutch statesman newly installed as NATO’s secretary general, followed up with a tongue-in-cheek remark referencing Trump’s colorful Tuesday outburst over ceasefire violations: “And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” he said with a chuckle.
Trump seized the moment in characteristic fashion. “Every once in a while you have to use a certain word,” he added, grinning. Moments later, in response to a reporter’s follow-up about the comment, he leaned in: “He likes me. I think he likes me. If he doesn’t, I’ll let you know. I’ll come back and I’ll hit him hard, okay? He did it very affectionately. ‘Daddy — you’re my daddy.’”
Laughter erupted, not just from the press corps but also from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who were seen visibly enjoying the back-and-forth.
🚨President Trump reacts to the NATO Chief calling him “daddy.”
“He likes me…He did it very affectionately…You’re my daddy!” pic.twitter.com/2rW2Sa5jZ7
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2025
But beneath the theatrics was a significant diplomatic moment. Rutte used the same press conference to praise Trump’s role in halting hostilities between two of the Middle East’s most volatile players. “You are a man of strength, but you are also a man of peace,” Rutte said. “The fact that you are now also successful in getting this ceasefire done … I really want to commend you for it.”
Trump, never one to let momentum stall, also used the opportunity to highlight NATO’s transformation under his leadership. With all members except Spain agreeing to a historic 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035—more than double the long-standing 2% threshold—Trump declared it a turning point for the alliance. “A lot of people didn’t even pay the 2%,” he said. “So I think it’s going to be very big news. NATO is going to become very strong with us.”
