NATO Chief's Strategy to Deal with Trump: Focusing on the Financial Aspect to Gain His Support
As the alliance prepares for the upcoming summit in Ankara, Turkey, Rutte's efforts to appease Trump are likely to be put to the test. The summit is expected to focus on strengthening the alliance's defense capabilities, with allies agreeing to new arms contracts and increased weapons production. However, the meeting will also provide a platform for Trump to reiterate his demands for greater burden-sharing among NATO members.
Despite the challenges posed by Trump's unpredictable nature, Rutte remains committed to his strategy of emphasizing the economic benefits of the alliance. He has pointed to the potential for a "transatlantic industrial revolution" that could create new opportunities for defense industries on both sides of the Atlantic. This approach is seen as a way to appeal to Trump's business instincts and persuade him of the value of maintaining a strong U.S. presence in Europe.
European officials are watching the developments closely, aware that the alliance's future depends on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. While some may be skeptical of Rutte's flattery, others recognize that it is a necessary evil in the pursuit of a stronger, more stable alliance. As one diplomat noted, "We need to keep the U.S. engaged, and if that means flattering Trump's ego, so be it."
The stakes are high, with the alliance facing numerous challenges, from a resurgent Russia to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The summit in Ankara will provide an opportunity for NATO leaders to address these challenges and reaffirm their commitment to the alliance's core principles. However, it remains to be seen whether Rutte's strategy will be enough to keep Trump on board and prevent a further erosion of U.S. support for the alliance.
Giedrimas Jeglinskas, a former Lithuanian member of parliament and a one-time NATO official, believes Rutte's approach is pragmatic. "It is only natural and common sense for Rutte to do what he is doing," Jeglinskas said, emphasizing that Rutte's legacy as the alliance's leader rests on his ability to keep the US as a central ally. "NATO without the US is not what the NATO countries have signed up for."
Rutte recently credited Trump for the alliance's spending surge, highlighting that from 2016 to 2026, the 31 non-US NATO allies spent $1.2 trillion more on their defense, with a 20 percent increase last year alone.
However, not everyone in Europe supports Rutte's approach. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticized him for stating that Italy had allowed hundreds of US aircraft to take off from the country to support the Iran war, which the Italian government denies, insisting it only permitted technical and logistical flights.
Despite this, many current and former European officials agree that Rutte's effort is crucial. According to Peter Rough, director of the Center on Europe and Eurasia at the Hudson Institute and a former Bush administration official, "He has Trump's ear, that is what matters."
Despite the challenges posed by Trump's unpredictable nature, Rutte remains committed to his strategy of emphasizing the economic benefits of the alliance. He has pointed to the potential for a "transatlantic industrial revolution" that could create new opportunities for defense industries on both sides of the Atlantic. This approach is seen as a way to appeal to Trump's business instincts and persuade him of the value of maintaining a strong U.S. presence in Europe.
European officials are watching the developments closely, aware that the alliance's future depends on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. While some may be skeptical of Rutte's flattery, others recognize that it is a necessary evil in the pursuit of a stronger, more stable alliance. As one diplomat noted, "We need to keep the U.S. engaged, and if that means flattering Trump's ego, so be it."
The stakes are high, with the alliance facing numerous challenges, from a resurgent Russia to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The summit in Ankara will provide an opportunity for NATO leaders to address these challenges and reaffirm their commitment to the alliance's core principles. However, it remains to be seen whether Rutte's strategy will be enough to keep Trump on board and prevent a further erosion of U.S. support for the alliance.
Giedrimas Jeglinskas, a former Lithuanian member of parliament and a one-time NATO official, believes Rutte's approach is pragmatic. "It is only natural and common sense for Rutte to do what he is doing," Jeglinskas said, emphasizing that Rutte's legacy as the alliance's leader rests on his ability to keep the US as a central ally. "NATO without the US is not what the NATO countries have signed up for."
Rutte recently credited Trump for the alliance's spending surge, highlighting that from 2016 to 2026, the 31 non-US NATO allies spent $1.2 trillion more on their defense, with a 20 percent increase last year alone.
However, not everyone in Europe supports Rutte's approach. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticized him for stating that Italy had allowed hundreds of US aircraft to take off from the country to support the Iran war, which the Italian government denies, insisting it only permitted technical and logistical flights.
Despite this, many current and former European officials agree that Rutte's effort is crucial. According to Peter Rough, director of the Center on Europe and Eurasia at the Hudson Institute and a former Bush administration official, "He has Trump's ear, that is what matters."
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