NATO's Trump whisperer meets the president in an effort to appease him before next month's summit

Live updates

1. -2810s ago

   NATO Chief Rutte Meets Trump Ahead of Ankara Summit

   NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited the White House to prepare for an upcoming summit in Ankara. Rutte has used flattery to discourage President Trump from abandoning the alliance. Trump continues to criticize NATO for a one-sided spending path and lack of support in the Iran war.

   What's confirmed:

   • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with President Trump at the White House.
   • The upcoming NATO summit will take place in Ankara, Turkey.
   • Trump has described the U.S. path regarding NATO spending as "one sided" and "Ridiculous".
   • President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House for the first time since launching the Iran war.
   • President Trump also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Mark Rutte has used outright flattery to stop Trump from abandoning NATO.
   • The goalposts for the summit are shifting.
   confidence 90%
2. 29d ago

   NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte Meets President Trump

   NATO leader Mark Rutte visited the White House to advocate for the alliance before next month's summit. President Trump criticized the alliance for lack of support in the Iran war. Trump also demanded "loyalty" from NATO allies.

   What's confirmed:

   • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
   • The meeting occurred ahead of a summit scheduled for next month.
   • President Trump criticized NATO for a lack of support and lax participation in the Iran war.
   • Trump has argued that the U.S. pays more than its fair share of military spending.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • President Trump demanded "loyalty" from NATO allies.
   confidence 90%