It’s hard to believe that there would be a light-hearted moment at a NATO summit, but, as with all things Trump, this one is turning out to be extraordinary in all regards.
Actually, on all fronts, the Europeans are all acting a little…weird.
For instance. Far from Brussels and the NATO big-wig get-together, a member of the Scottish parliament (MSP), who are determinedly uber liberal, normally taciturn, and vaguely unfriendly to American interests, got up in the house at Holyrood to ask what sort of assistance the country was offering to the United States, and shouldn’t the Scots be doing something to help out, considering everything the US has done.
The United Kingdom must stand firmly with our allies the United States and Israel in defence of international security.
It is absolutely right that facilities at Scottish Government owned Prestwick airport are used by US armed forces and our other valued allies. pic.twitter.com/WHHS7ChjBr
— Stephen Kerr MSP (@RealStephenKerr) June 24, 2025
Well. After Humza Yousaf’s hateful reign as First Minister, this is refreshing. You could have about knocked me over with a feather.
Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and now Secretary General of NATO, has been the centerpiece of a significantly transformed NATO meeting in terms of tone.
Eight years ago, Donald Trump was laying down the ‘about time you started paying your fair share’ law to some unhappy faces gathered at the summit. First and foremost was the moon pie visage of Angela Merkel.
💣 NATO – If you’re wondering why new NATO leader Mark Rutte is kissing Trump’s arse …
Then remember this from 8 years ago! NATO isn’t only fighting for relevance, it’s fighting for survival!
US taxpayers fund more than ALL OTHER COUNTRIES COMBINED!
If Trump says it’s over,… pic.twitter.com/s1mDnv6tgB
— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) June 24, 2025
…But twenty-three of the twenty-eight member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what they’re supposed to be paying for their defense…
Oh, GAWD – how they hated that guy.
And now Europe’s worst nightmare is back, large and in charge. But what has most assuredly changed is the room temperature, as have a good number of the faces who mocked and snarled at Trump behind his back.
They’re gone.
And NATO’s secretary general not only has a warm relationship with the President of the United States, but a warm appreciation for what the man accomplishes through sheer determination and willpower.
At the summit’s big press conference there were no repeats of ‘damn that man.’
It was ‘thank you, Dear Donald‘ time.
I’m old enough to remember when the “smart” guys were laughing at Trump. Most of them are gone now and he’s still here. Who’s the smart one now? pic.twitter.com/nlLDJZsTuu
— Doc Of The Bay (@petaluma_rob) June 25, 2025
And Trump, to his credit – of course, the success of the magnificent Iran operation no doubt helped – Trump was his affable, most charming-on-the-world-stage self.
There’s no confidence like all-American confidence, even when explaining how you keep fractious, long-time sworn Middle Eastern enemies in line.
NEW: Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte refers to President Trump as ‘Daddy’ while Trump was talking about Israel & Iran’s peace deal.
Trump: They had a big fight. Like two kids in a schoolyard. Let them fight for about two minutes. Then it’s easier to stop them.
Rutte: And… pic.twitter.com/dpG7C7bakY
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 25, 2025
…Trump: They had a big fight. Like two kids in a schoolyard. Let them fight for about two minutes. Then it’s easier to stop them.
Rutte: And then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.
Rutte’s lighthearted interjection had everyone cracking up there, even Trump, with that sly reference to the Trump F-bomb that shook the world.
BREAKING:
Federal Judge rules that Trump dropping an F bomb without consulting Congress is unconstitutional pic.twitter.com/lOiw1r6J2K
— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) June 24, 2025
The CBS Evening News even covered it without a hanky and smelling salts.
What was truly amazing was that the cajoling and bonhomie worked without the sour-faced Brussels Brahmins of the past in attendance, and the few old guard remnants like Macron neutered by their own unpopularity and weak economies.
Trump came in like a good-natured deal-making steamroller.
🚨 NEW — President Trump BLOWS NATO RESPONSIBILITY EXPECTATIONS OUT OF THE WATER, Announces “Hague Defense Commitment!”
“The NATO allies committed to dramatically increase their defense spending to that 5% of GDP, something that no one really thought possible. They said, you did… pic.twitter.com/QRbPJQp9Sj
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2025
And then one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen from a world leader and his so serious sidekicks (and thank you, CM, for finding it for me) was when a reporter in the press pool quizzed Trump about Rutte’s ‘Daddy’ remark.
WORLD DADDY
How 10 years have made such a difference between those two. I’m glad for it, they seem to found mutual respect for each other and it’s a good thing for this Country.
— Stardreme (@1Stardreme) June 25, 2025
Doesn’t that beat all?
That same Sky News reporter was doing her damnedest to rain on the good feelings parade, and, to his credit, Mark Rutte was having none of it.
REPORTER: “Why did you call President Trump ‘daddy’?”
NATO Sec-Gen: “He deserves it.” pic.twitter.com/jfiIPDGIaw
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) June 25, 2025
Seriously.
I mean, doesn’t that just beat all?
What a difference a president makes.
~ With a fond tip o’ the memory hat to Bill Saluga
