Remember when everyone said Donald Trump would ruin America’s friendships around the world? Those predictions have aged like milk left out on a hot summer day. As the NATO summit wrapped up this week, a very different story unfolded – one that has left Trump’s critics scratching their heads in disbelief.
The world stage is looking more and more like Trump’s home turf. While mainstream media outlets predicted doom and gloom for international relations under his leadership, NATO allies are now following his lead and opening their wallets. The results speak for themselves: stronger alliances, historic peace deals, and renewed respect for American power.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called President Donald Trump “daddy” on Wednesday during a lighthearted moment at The Hague in the Netherlands. The moment happened as Trump described his efforts to stop fighting between Israel and Iran.
From ‘The Daily Wire’:
“They had a big fight,” Trump told reporters. “Like two kids in a schoolyard. You know? You can’t stop them. Let them fight for about two-three minutes, then it’s easier to stop them.”
“And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” the NATO leader said with a laugh. Trump riffed off the comment, replying, “Every once in a while you have to use a certain word.”
The “strong language” Rutte mentioned was Trump’s f-bomb dropped the day before. Trump had expressed frustration when both Israel and Iran violated a ceasefire he had just arranged.
🚨President Trump reacts to the NATO Chief calling him “daddy.”
“He likes me…He did it very affectionately…You’re my daddy!” pic.twitter.com/2rW2Sa5jZ7
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2025
Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy
Trump’s peace efforts came shortly after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The president explained his approach to the Middle East conflict with his trademark straight talk, comparing the nations to schoolyard fighters who needed a timeout.
Rutte praised Trump for his success in securing the ceasefire. “You are a man of strength, but you are also a man of peace. And the fact that you are now also successful in getting this ceasefire done… I really want to commend you for it,” Rutte said.
During the press conference, Trump announced plans for talks with Iran next week. “I’ll tell you what, we’re going to talk with them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” Trump said. This development shows Trump’s unique ability to drop bombs one day and offer olive branches the next.
This striking diplomatic achievement stands in stark contrast to the narrative pushed by many media outlets that Trump would be incapable of nuanced international relations. Instead, he’s demonstrating the same deal-making skills on the world stage that he championed during his campaign.
Historic Defense Spending Increase
The NATO summit delivered another major win for Trump’s “America First” approach. Under pressure from Trump, NATO allies agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product by 2035. This represents a significant jump from the previous 2% target.
“A lot of people didn’t even pay the 2%. So I think it’s going to be very big news. NATO is going to become very strong with us,” Trump noted. The only holdout was Spain, while the other 31 NATO members committed to the increase.
Trump called the agreement “the Hague defense commitment” and “a monument really to victory.” According to Trump, this increase will add more than $1 trillion per year to “our common defense.”
“This is a big win for Europe and, actually, for Western civilization,” Trump declared. The achievement fulfills one of his long-standing demands that NATO allies pay their fair share for collective security.
The NATO chief’s “daddy” comment and the historic defense spending agreement highlight a surprising truth – world leaders are showing tremendous respect for Trump. His direct approach to diplomacy might ruffle feathers at home, but on the world stage, it’s producing results that speak louder than words.
Trump’s critics claimed he would destroy America’s standing in the world. Instead, NATO is stronger, Iran is at the negotiating table, and world leaders are looking to America for leadership once again. The same Democrats who predicted international disaster under Trump’s leadership are now conspicuously silent as foreign leaders line up to praise his effectiveness. Sometimes daddy does know best.
Key Takeaways
- NATO allies agreed to increase defense spending to 5% GDP after Trump’s persistent pressure
- Trump successfully negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Iran while maintaining America’s strength
- World leaders are showing remarkable respect for Trump despite media predictions of damaged relationships
- Trump’s direct diplomatic approach is yielding concrete results in strengthening NATO and pursuing peace
Sources: Daily Wire, WBMA
