About time!
In a move that validates what many Americans have believed all along, NATO is now giving credit where it’s due—straight to President Donald J. Trump. The man the media once mocked is now being hailed as the driving force behind a historic military turnaround.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister and now head of the 32-nation alliance, said in a high-profile interview that President Trump’s leadership was essential in getting Europe to finally step up and pay its fair share for defense.
“Trump understands that America’s strength depends on global cooperation—but that cooperation has to be fair,” Rutte said. “He made that clear to Europe.”
Under Trump’s leadership, NATO members are now committing to a new goal: 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, a dramatic increase from the 2% target set back in 2014—a target many never even met.
Rutte didn’t hold back. “Without President Trump’s pressure, without his reelection, we would never have achieved this agreement,” he admitted.
The turning point? Trump’s bold foreign policy moves. In June, Rutte privately congratulated the President after he authorized precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—calling the decision “a game-changer that makes us all safer.”
Trump later shared that message, in which Rutte praised the former President’s impact and noted that NATO nations had all signed on to the 5% plan. “You’re flying into another big success,” the NATO chief said.
When asked if he was upset about Trump sharing the message, Rutte simply replied: “Not at all. I meant every word.”
He added, “Trump acted decisively on Iran and now he’s delivering on defense spending. This is transformational.”
As Trump continues to shape global policy—even without a formal title—his influence is unmistakable. NATO is following his lead. The world is watching. And the results are undeniable.