What started as a high-stakes diplomatic summit in The Hague quickly veered into unexpected territory when President Donald Trump was affectionately referred to as “daddy” by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. And yes—Trump ran with it.
The Press Conference That Got Everyone Laughing
During a press conference wrapping up his appearance at the NATO Summit, Trump was asked about Rutte’s unusual choice of words.
With his signature grin, Trump played along.
“No, he likes me, I think he likes me!” he told reporters.
“If he doesn’t, I’ll let you know and I’ll come back and hit him hard, OK?” he joked.
He continued, clearly amused, “‘Daddy, you’re my daddy,’” repeating the phrase Rutte had used.
The comment caught even Secretary of State Marco Rubio off guard—Rubio burst into laughter and had to look down to compose himself.
The Backstory Behind the “Daddy” Remark
Earlier in the day, Trump and Rutte had sat down for a bilateral meeting where they discussed the newly brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel—a move Trump had announced earlier in the week.
But just before the ceasefire took effect, Israel launched an assault on Iran, prompting more missiles in return.
Trump didn’t hold back when asked about the clash.
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” he said before heading to the summit in The Hague.
That’s when Rutte quipped, “Daddy has to use strong language,” referring to Trump’s blunt style in getting both sides to agree to stop fighting.
Trump agreed, adding, “Every once in a while you have to use a certain word.”
Trump Leans Into the Role of NATO’s ‘Tough Dad’
Later on, when asked whether he viewed NATO allies like children, given Rutte’s earlier comment, Trump didn’t shy away from the metaphor.
He likened Iran and Israel to “two kids in the schoolyard” who need a few minutes to fight before they can be separated.
That schoolyard analogy, Trump said, helps explain why he believes the ceasefire will stick this time.
“They’ve had it,” he said. “Like two kids in the schoolyard… let them fight for two or three minutes, then it’s easy to stop them.”
Can Europe Defend Itself Without the U.S.?
The reporter pressed further, asking Trump if NATO allies could truly defend Europe on their own without U.S. help.
“They’ll need a little help at the beginning,” Trump admitted, “but I think they’ll be able to. And I think they’re going to remember this day.”
His comments followed a key agreement reached earlier in the day—one that Trump has pushed for throughout his presidency.
All 32 NATO nations committed to investing 5% of their GDP annually into defense and related spending by 2035.
Trump praised the move as a major win for NATO and a validation of his demands.
Trump Deflects to Rutte and Revisits Old Nicknames
When asked again whether he truly believes Europe can stand alone militarily, Trump deflected, “Ask Mark. I think you have to ask Mark, OK?”
The nickname “daddy” isn’t exactly new territory for Trump.
He’d previously been given the moniker by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson—although the two are now estranged following Trump’s decision to order strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites last weekend.
Final Thoughts from The Hague
Trump’s appearance at the NATO Summit was packed with his usual mix of bravado, humor, and policy declarations.
While the “daddy” label raised eyebrows—and laughs—it also highlighted the unique, often unpredictable dynamic Trump brings to international diplomacy.
With new NATO commitments in place and a fragile Middle East ceasefire in the balance, the summit may be remembered as much for the soundbites as the strategy.