‘Daddy’ Diplomacy? NATO Chief’s Joke About Trump Sparks Reactions

At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, a remark by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte caught global attention when he jokingly referred to U.S. President Donald Trump as “Daddy” during a discussion on the Iran-Israel conflict.

The moment came after Trump likened the two nations to “kids in a schoolyard,” prompting Rutte to say, “then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.” Though Rutte later clarified that he wasn’t directly labeling Trump, the phrase quickly went viral and sparked widespread commentary.

Supporters saw it as a diplomatic attempt to keep Trump engaged and cooperative at a tense summit, while critics viewed it as unprofessional and sycophantic.

The incident overshadowed more substantive summit outcomes, including renewed commitments to defense spending and continued NATO unity amid global tensions.

It also reignited discussions about Trump’s influence over European allies and the performative nature of modern diplomacy. Whether it was strategic banter or a diplomatic misstep, the “Daddy” comment became one of the summit’s most talked-about moments.