Trump meets NATO leaders after Rutte praises his “action to Iran”

president Donald Trump Will take the main stage on the second day of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands – a surprisingly cordial tone for the alliance he has long criticized.

The president plans to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other world leaders ahead of a press conference.

Trump also said he would “possibly” say hello to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Join NATO.

In a text message shared by Trump, Rut congratulated him on “making Europe a massive payment” through a new 5% defense spending target and promoting the recent conflict between Israel and Iran.

Trump heads to NATO summit when Europe agrees to pay attention to his defense spending demand

“Congratulations, thank you for your decisive action against Iran. It’s truly extraordinary, nothing else dares to do,” Rut wrote as Trump flew to the top of the mountain. “It makes us all safer.”

Israel and Iran were almost collapsed after they got caught in a ceasefire from U.S. agents on Tuesday – despite Israel canceling the counterattack at Trump’s urging.

Rutte added: “You will have another great success in The Hague tonight.”

NATO allies first agreed to use 2% of GDP for defense in 2006 – a target that many failed to meet for years. Now, after Trump repeatedly called on Europe to “pull up” in weight, the league has approved more Ambitious 5% targetWith the exception of Spain, efforts have long been made to meet the original benchmark.

For core defense spending, the new figure is divided into 3.5% and 1.5% of related infrastructure, including cyberwallfa and intelligence. The NATO ambassador agreed on Sunday’s compromise.

Expectations at the upcoming NATO summit: Trump, spending, Ukraine, Iran

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulates Trump on the ceasefire and convinces Europe to increase its defense spending (Nicolas Tucat/Reuters)

For most allies, the goal marks a significant leap. Currently, Poland leads all member states, with 4.1% of GDP going to be spent on national defense. The United States is at 3.4%.

Trump said he does not think the United States needs to reach a 5% threshold, a position that Rutt supports.

“The United States has spent nearly 3.5% on core defense, and there is no doubt that they are close to 1.5% on defense-related projects,” Rut said. “Countries like Estonia and Poland are very close. It’s still a long road for many other countries, but it’s really important for us to do that.”

Trump also said he would “possibly” greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended the summit as Ukraine continues to work to join NATO. (Christian Hartman/Reuters)

He also called on the defense industry on the “on both sides of the Atlantic” to increase production.

“Russia’s economy is 25 times higher than NATO, and it should be able to surpass us, which is unimaginable,” Rut said on Tuesday. He urged Europe: “Make your defense so strong that no one dares to attack you.”

Despite the progress, Trump raised new doubts about whether the United States complies with the NATO cornerstone mutual defense clause (Article 5), which forces members to defend each other in the event of an attack.

When asked if he would deliver on his promise, Trump said, “It depends on your definition.” “There are many definitions about Article 5, you know, right? But I am committed to being their friend. I am friends with many leaders and I am committed to helping them.”

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Nevertheless, the U.S. ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker tried to reassure his allies and told reporters: “There is nowhere in the United States.”

Rutte responded to the message, telling partners “no longer worrying about so much” and focusing on strengthening their defenses.