NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to Meet President Trump at White House Ahead of Summit
NATO chief Mark Rutte will meet President Donald Trump on Wednesday in Washington as the alliance prepares for its upcoming summit and reviews U.S. troop levels in Europe.
Washington — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, two weeks before the alliance’s summit in Turkey. The discussion comes as the Pentagon conducts a six-month review of the United States’ military footprint in Europe.
Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for what he says is an unequal share of defense spending and has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the alliance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently echoed some of those concerns, questioning European allies’ willingness to allow U.S. forces to use bases for operations against Iran.
Rutte, who has cultivated a close rapport with the president, is expected to use the meeting to address Trump’s grievances and reinforce U.S. commitment to NATO. He has previously praised Trump’s pressure on allies to increase defense spending and expressed support for the president’s stance on Iran.
"I’m completely behind him on this," Rutte told Fox News, referring to Trump’s approach to the Iran issue.
The encounter follows a period of heightened tension within the alliance, including criticism of the U.S. decision to launch a war with Israel in February without prior consultation with NATO partners. Analysts note that maintaining U.S. engagement remains a central priority for Rutte as the organization prepares for its next summit.
The meeting underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage divergent views within the 32-member alliance ahead of the upcoming gathering in Turkey.