THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS — There are many things Donald Trump has been called during his time on the world stage—“Mr. President,” “the boss,” “a disruptor,” even “a stable genius.” But this week at the NATO summit, Trump earned a new, eyebrow-raising title: “Daddy.”
The moment unfolded during a bilateral meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, as the two leaders addressed escalating tensions over a failed Israel-Iran ceasefire.
🧒 Schoolyard Chaos Meets Global Diplomacy
Trump, known for theatrical analogies, described the Gaza conflict in familiar Trumpian terms:
“You know, they fight like hell. You can’t stop them. Let them fight for about two-three minutes, then it’s easy to stop them.”
He gestured as if refereeing a playground fight. Then Rutte jumped in:
“Daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get them to stop.”
Yes, “Daddy.”
Trump didn’t blink. In fact, he leaned in:
“Every so often, you have to use a certain word,” he said, referring to his earlier expletive-laced outburst about Iran before leaving Washington.
😳 From Affection to Awkward? Trump Embraces the Label
Later that day at a press conference, Trump grinned when asked about Rutte’s remark.
“No, [Rutte] 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, OK? He did it very affectionately, ‘Daddy, you’re my Daddy.’”
Critics found it awkward, supporters called it authentic, and cable news ate it up.
Whether playful or performative, the exchange adds another layer to Trump’s larger-than-life diplomatic persona—equal parts brand manager and political brawler.
🧠 “Daddy Diplomacy” in a Post-Normal NATO
Rutte later clarified that the remark was “a matter of taste” and praised Trump’s decision to strike Iran.
“I think he deserves all the praise,” Rutte said, underscoring the weirdly personal dynamics now shaping the NATO alliance.
In Trump’s NATO, it's no longer just about strategy—it’s about who’s holding the chalk in the classroom.
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