NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte strongly endorsed Donald Trump’s defense policies during the Ankara summit, praising his pressure on allies to increase military spending. As the Dutchman said,
I just like the man. I think what he is doing for NATO is great news
Rutte noted that this pressure has spurred a significant, “transformational” shift in investments, with non-U.S. members pledging $250 billion to bolster collective defense. The alliance is accelerating these efforts to counter rising threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
At the same time, Rutte countered claims of European inaction, highlighting crucial support provided to the U.S. during the conflict with Iran. He said that despite bilateral frictions, NATO remains united and that European nations are actively building a sustainable, long-term defense network.
