NATO Chief Says Europe Is Lucky to Have Trump

The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, has said that Europe should consider itself fortunate that Donald Trump is in power, arguing that the pressure applied by the former U.S. president has pushed European countries to take greater responsibility for their own security.

Rutte made the remarks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) currently taking place in Davos, Switzerland, an event also attended by President Trump.

Trump’s Pressure Changed Europe’s Security Approach

According to Rutte, although Trump’s rhetoric may not appeal to everyone, his leadership played a crucial role in forcing Europe to reduce its reliance on the United States and invest more seriously in defense.

“People may not like what I am saying because I am supporting President Trump, but I truly believe Europe should be grateful that he is there,” Rutte said.

“He made Europe take its own security seriously.”

Rutte noted that for many years, several European countries failed to meet NATO’s defense spending targets, despite growing global security threats.

Defense Spending Increased Under Trump’s Influence

He highlighted that countries such as Spain, Italy, and France were reluctant to allocate at least 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense before Trump exerted sustained pressure on NATO allies.

Rutte added that Trump views him as the leader who helped Europe move away from what he described as political complacency following the end of the Cold War in 1991.

NATO Agrees to Raise Defense Budget Target

NATO member states have now agreed to significantly increase defense spending, with a new target of 5 percent of GDP by 2035, following a proposal initially introduced by President Trump.

The move reflects growing concerns over global instability and renewed geopolitical tensions, particularly in Europe.

Greenland Tensions Add to Transatlantic Strain

Rutte’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions related to Greenland, after Trump suggested that the United States should have full military access to the island.

The comments sparked diplomatic friction between the U.S. and several European countries, particularly Denmark, which administers Greenland.

At one point, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on countries contributing troops to Greenland, though he later softened his stance, saying the matter would be resolved through dialogue rather than force.