THE HAGUE (Realist English). NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has privately applauded President Donald Trump for his role in pushing European allies toward a sweeping increase in military spending, calling it an achievement “no American president in decades could get done.”
In a text message shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform during his flight to The Hague for the NATO summit, Rutte wrote:
“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world… Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.”
Rutte’s message, verified by NATO officials, congratulates Trump for securing agreement on a controversial new defence spending target of 5% of GDP — a sharp increase from the long-standing 2% guideline. Under the plan, NATO countries would spend 3.5% on core defence and 1.5% on infrastructure and cyber capabilities by 2035.
“This was not easy, but we’ve got them all signed onto 5 per cent!” Rutte wrote. He also praised Trump’s recent strikes on Iran, calling them “truly extraordinary.”
Spanish dissent clouds summit unity
Despite Rutte’s optimism, tensions have emerged ahead of the summit. Spain has formally declined to adopt the 5% target, securing an opt-out by pledging instead to meet NATO capability goals at what it claims is a lower cost. Trump criticized the decision en route to the Netherlands:
“There’s a problem with Spain. Spain is not agreeing. Which is very unfair to the rest.”
Several other member states have reportedly requested similar flexibility, raising the risk of divisions at the summit and reinforcing Trump’s long-standing complaint that European allies are underinvesting in their own security.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson rejected Spain’s stance, saying:
“I do think that 5% is necessary… It would be a very bad signal, not least from the European parts of NATO, if we were not able to make that decision.”
Article 5 and American guarantees
While aboard Air Force One, Trump cast doubt on the scope of NATO’s collective defence clause — Article 5 — saying there are “numerous definitions.” Still, he added: “I’m committed to being their friend… I’ve become friends with many of those leaders.”
Rutte, seeking to reassure wary allies, insisted that Trump’s backing for NATO remains intact — provided the alliance addresses the “huge irritant” of low spending.
“There is total commitment by the U.S. president to NATO,” Rutte said. “My message to my European colleagues is: stop worrying so much. Stop running around being worried about the U.S. They are with us.”
Trump’s triumphal release of Rutte’s private endorsement is both a personal vindication and a message to European capitals: U.S. support now comes with a price tag. While many allies are moving to meet the new standard, resistance from Spain and others could fracture unity at a critical juncture — and reignite long-standing fears of an American retreat from NATO’s core commitments.
