Mark Rutte has clarified why he controversially referred to Donald Trump as ‘daddy’ during an awkward joint appearance last year. The NATO secretary-general went viral in June after using the unusual term while responding to Trump’s remarks comparing Israel and Iran to ‘two kids in a schoolyard’. At the time, Rutte said, “Daddy has to use tough language.”&nbsp;Speaking on Thursday (April 9) at the Ronald Reagan Institute, Rutte addressed the incident after being asked whether he still viewed Trump that way, even as tensions rose over NATO’s support in the US conflict with Iran. He dismissed the moment as a translation issue, saying, “It follows me a little bit, I can assure you.” He explained, “In Dutch, you would say, the translation of your father is daddy, and I said, ‘sometimes daddy has to be angry’. “So I was not calling him my daddy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-some-allies-were-slow-to-deliver-support-nato-chief-succumbs-to-trump-pressure-1775752103849">'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure?</a>&nbsp;“But of course, daddy has all sorts of special connotations, and now I have to live with it for the rest of my life.” Laughing it off, he added, “And I own it. And the president owns it. He brought out t-shirts, he made a movie, ‘Daddy is home’, when he returned to the United States. This is why I like him so much. “You make mistakes, and this is when you are not a native speaker. Sorry for that.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed</a>&nbsp;Rutte also confirmed he held a private meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday (April 8) evening. While details remain unclear, Donald Trump later claimed NATO had not supported the US when needed. Rutte downplayed any tension, describing their discussion as open and friendly, though acknowledging Trump was ‘clearly disappointed’ with allies.

Mark Rutte explains his viral “daddy” comment about Donald Trump, calling it a translation mistake as NATO tensions and US criticism grow

Mark Rutte has clarified why he controversially referred to Donald Trump as ‘daddy’ during an awkward joint appearance last year. The NATO secretary-general went viral in June after using the unusual term while responding to Trump’s remarks comparing Israel and Iran to ‘two kids in a schoolyard’. At the time, Rutte said, “Daddy has to use tough language.” Speaking on Thursday (April 9) at the Ronald Reagan Institute, Rutte addressed the incident after being asked whether he still viewed Trump that way, even as tensions rose over NATO’s support in the US conflict with Iran. He dismissed the moment as a translation issue, saying, “It follows me a little bit, I can assure you.” He explained, “In Dutch, you would say, the translation of your father is daddy, and I said, ‘sometimes daddy has to be angry’. “So I was not calling him my daddy. Also Read: 'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure? “But of course, daddy has all sorts of special connotations, and now I have to live with it for the rest of my life.” Laughing it off, he added, “And I own it. And the president owns it. He brought out t-shirts, he made a movie, ‘Daddy is home’, when he returned to the United States. This is why I like him so much. “You make mistakes, and this is when you are not a native speaker. Sorry for that.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-american-leadership-is-absolutely-essential-1775751264662/embed Rutte also confirmed he held a private meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday (April 8) evening. While details remain unclear, Donald Trump later claimed NATO had not supported the US when needed. Rutte downplayed any tension, describing their discussion as open and friendly, though acknowledging Trump was ‘clearly disappointed’ with allies.

Mark Rutte says calling Donald Trump ‘daddy’ was a translation mistake, laughs off viral moment, and denies tensions despite NATO criticism

Not my daddy! Mark Rutte explains 'daddy' comment about Donald Trump, calls it 'translation mistake' amid NATO tensions

Hours after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived at the White House on Wednesday (Apr 8) for what officials described as a "frank" discussion, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blast the alliance. "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. The vital meeting came amid fears that the POTUS' outrage over NATO allies' steadfast refusal to join his war against Iran could prompt him to pull the United States out of the nearly eight-decade-old alliance.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-s-10-point-plan-explained-compensation-sanctions-hormuz-and-more-here-s-what-tehran-wants-after-2-week-ceasefire-deal-1775620008012">Iran’s 10-point plan EXPLAINED: Compensation, sanctions, Hormuz and more, here's what Tehran wants after 2-week ceasefire deal</a><h2>'NATO WASN'T THERE'</h2>In his signature all-caps post on Truth Social, Trump slammed the alliance and wrote, "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. Then, with no further context: "REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!"Before the Iran war took over headlines, Trump's designs on the Danish Arctic territory had been NATO's most pressing headache. Its sudden reappearance — unprompted, the day after a fragile US-Iran ceasefire — was a reminder that the Greenland ambition never really went away.In recent days, Trump has been openly contemptuous of NATO's response to the Iran war, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" for refusing to take a leading role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and for limiting American forces' use of bases on allied territory. He also mounted personal attacks against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comparing him to Winston Churchill and dismissing Britain's aircraft carriers as "toys."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-ghost-murmur-how-the-cia-used-secret-futuristic-tech-to-rescue-downed-us-f-15e-pilot-dude-44-bravo-amid-iran-war-1775647718461">'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war</a><h2>Will the US exit NATO?</h2>The meeting itself produced no public resolution on the question everyone came to answer: whether Trump is seriously considering pulling the United States out of NATO. However, a NATO spokesperson, in a statement on X, said that the Rutte and Trump "had a frank discussion on a range of issues related to our shared security, including in the context of Iran.""The Secretary General underscored the importance of Allies continuing to step up to deliver a stronger, fairer Alliance," added the spokesperson.Before the meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that withdrawal was "something the president has discussed" and would be discussing with the NATO Secretary General. Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister, has built a reputation for managing Trump through a combination of flattery and strategic patience. Last year, he made headlines for calling Trump "daddy" at a summit.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US on the verge of walking away from NATO? Hours after meeting Mark Rutte, Donald Trump blasted the alliance, calling it unreliable and reviving old tensions.

Is this just pressure tactics or a real exit threat? Scroll down to read more.

Hours after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived at the White House on Wednesday (Apr 8) for what officials described as a "frank" discussion, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blast the alliance. "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. The vital meeting came amid fears that the POTUS' outrage over NATO allies' steadfast refusal to join his war against Iran could prompt him to pull the United States out of the nearly eight-decade-old alliance. Also read | Iran’s 10-point plan EXPLAINED: Compensation, sanctions, Hormuz and more, here's what Tehran wants after 2-week ceasefire deal 'NATO WASN'T THERE' In his signature all-caps post on Truth Social, Trump slammed the alliance and wrote, "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. Then, with no further context: "REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!" Before the Iran war took over headlines, Trump's designs on the Danish Arctic territory had been NATO's most pressing headache. Its sudden reappearance — unprompted, the day after a fragile US-Iran ceasefire — was a reminder that the Greenland ambition never really went away. In recent days, Trump has been openly contemptuous of NATO's response to the Iran war, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" for refusing to take a leading role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and for limiting American forces' use of bases on allied territory. He also mounted personal attacks against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comparing him to Winston Churchill and dismissing Britain's aircraft carriers as "toys." Also read | 'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war Will the US exit NATO? The meeting itself produced no public resolution on the question everyone came to answer: whether Trump is seriously considering pulling the United States out of NATO. However, a NATO spokesperson, in a statement on X, said that the Rutte and Trump "had a frank discussion on a range of issues related to our shared security, including in the context of Iran." "The Secretary General underscored the importance of Allies continuing to step up to deliver a stronger, fairer Alliance," added the spokesperson. Before the meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that withdrawal was "something the president has discussed" and would be discussing with the NATO Secretary General. Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister, has built a reputation for managing Trump through a combination of flattery and strategic patience. Last year, he made headlines for calling Trump "daddy" at a summit. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US on the verge of walking away from NATO? Hours after meeting Mark Rutte, Donald Trump blasted the alliance, calling it unreliable and reviving old tensions.Is this just pressure tactics or a real exit threat? Scroll down to read more.

'REMEMBER THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE...': Trump blasts NATO after closed-door meeting with Rutte, revives Greenland threat

Donald Trump will discuss the possibility of the United States leaving NATO when he meets alliance chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday (April 8), the White House said, accusing allies of abandoning American interests. The meeting follows a newly agreed two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Trump has voiced frustration over Western partners declining to support his military actions against Tehran, intensifying tensions within the decades-old alliance.&nbsp;"It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.When asked whether Trump would raise the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, Leavitt said: “It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary-General Rutte.” "Perhaps you'll hear directly from the president following that meeting," she added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-round-of-talks-to-take-place-on-saturday-in-pakistan-says-white-house-1775667226703">US-Iran talks in Pakistan: Trump to send JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff for talks; first round on Saturday</a>&nbsp;Trump has criticized NATO members as ‘cowards’ for restricting US military access to bases and declining to spearhead efforts to secure the critical Strait of Hormuz. Rutte, however, has built a reputation for maintaining dialogue with Trump and is expected to attempt to ease tensions during talks that will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Before the White House meeting, Rutte held discussions with Rubio on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and NATO commitments. “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with NATO Allies,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.&nbsp;NATO has faced repeated strain since Trump returned to office, including disputes over defense spending, US troop commitments in Europe, and his controversial proposal to take control of Greenland. Rutte, often described as a ‘Trump whisperer’, has sought to keep the alliance intact, including backing US actions against Iran as something to ‘applaud’. Trump has praised Rutte personally, calling him ‘a wonderful guy’, even as he claimed NATO countries had ‘gone out of their way not to help’ in Middle East efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed</a>&nbsp;A NATO official said Rutte aims to address global security challenges, including Iran and Ukraine, and build on agreements made at last year’s summit in The Hague to increase defense spending. Trump has long criticized NATO, previously labeling it ‘obsolete’ and considering withdrawal. Concerns have deepened as even traditional supporters like Rubio have suggested Washington may need to reassess its role in the alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump to discuss NATO exit with Rutte after Iran ceasefire: White House

Donald Trump will discuss the possibility of the United States leaving NATO when he meets alliance chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday (April 8), the White House said, accusing allies of abandoning American interests. The meeting follows a newly agreed two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Trump has voiced frustration over Western partners declining to support his military actions against Tehran, intensifying tensions within the decades-old alliance. "It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. When asked whether Trump would raise the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, Leavitt said: “It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary-General Rutte.” "Perhaps you'll hear directly from the president following that meeting," she added. Also Read: US-Iran talks in Pakistan: Trump to send JD Vance, Kushner and Witkoff for talks; first round on Saturday Trump has criticized NATO members as ‘cowards’ for restricting US military access to bases and declining to spearhead efforts to secure the critical Strait of Hormuz. Rutte, however, has built a reputation for maintaining dialogue with Trump and is expected to attempt to ease tensions during talks that will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Before the White House meeting, Rutte held discussions with Rubio on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and NATO commitments. “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with NATO Allies,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. NATO has faced repeated strain since Trump returned to office, including disputes over defense spending, US troop commitments in Europe, and his controversial proposal to take control of Greenland. Rutte, often described as a ‘Trump whisperer’, has sought to keep the alliance intact, including backing US actions against Iran as something to ‘applaud’. Trump has praised Rutte personally, calling him ‘a wonderful guy’, even as he claimed NATO countries had ‘gone out of their way not to help’ in Middle East efforts. https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-trump-s-red-line-have-not-changed-1775673901674/embed A NATO official said Rutte aims to address global security challenges, including Iran and Ukraine, and build on agreements made at last year’s summit in The Hague to increase defense spending. Trump has long criticized NATO, previously labeling it ‘obsolete’ and considering withdrawal. Concerns have deepened as even traditional supporters like Rubio have suggested Washington may need to reassess its role in the alliance. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump will discuss a possible NATO exit with Rutte after the Iran ceasefire, accusing allies of abandoning US interests and deepening alliance tensions

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Not my daddy! Mark Rutte explains 'daddy' comment about Donald Trump, calls it 'translation mistake' amid NATO tensions

Trump blasts NATO after closed-door meeting with Rutte, revives Greenland threat

Trump to discuss NATO exit with Rutte after Iran ceasefire: White House