The military alliance confirmed the meeting, which took place on Friday, in a succinct statement. However, the specifics of the issues discussed were not disclosed.
According to CBS News, this meeting marks Rutte's first encounter with Trump since the latter's election victory on November 5. Previously, Rutte had extended his congratulations to Trump, expressing his anticipation to collaborate with him. He had stated, "his leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong."
November 24, 2024
Trump, known for his skepticism towards the Western alliance, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the defense expenditure of several NATO member nations. He has often criticized these countries for their inadequate spending, painting them as burdens on the U.S. military. Trump has even gone as far as questioning the worth of the alliance, which has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for many years. He has issued warnings about the possibility of refusing to defend NATO members who fail to meet defense-spending targets.
IN TRUE "BADA$$" FASHION, TRUMP EXTENDS THIS EXTREMELY CONTROVERSIAL INVITATION!
In addition to Trump, Rutte and his team also met with the President-elect's choice for national security adviser, U.S. Representative Michael Waltz, along with other members of Trump's national security team. Rutte, who assumed leadership of NATO in October, is expected to navigate the alliance through these challenging times, ensuring its strength and relevance in the face of changing global dynamics.
