NATO chief, who called Trump ‘daddy’, remains silent on Greenland

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte REUTERS/Annegret Hilse NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte appears to have chosen to say as little as possible to keep the Alliance out of the dispute between the United States and Denmark over Greenland, although it remains uncertain whether this strategy will be successful. Rutte avoids answering sensitive questions and continues to praise American President Donald Trump, despite threats to annex Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark —, under the argument of guaranteeing the security of the United States. About a year ago, Rutte called Trump “daddy” when he said that the president sometimes needs to use “strong language to scold others.” At the time, the US was upset that Israel and Iran violated the ceasefire. ‘Dad has to use strong language’, says NATO secretary after Trump’s scolding This lack of posture, however, could put at risk the cohesion of the military alliance created 76 years ago, of which both the United States and Denmark are part. Find out what NATO is here. Rutte’s stance is considered, to say the least, controversial. This week, in a meeting with European deputies, he was pressured to take a position. “The people of Greenland are terrified,” said Danish MEP Stine Bosse. “Please indicate what this alliance can do if two member countries are unable to reach an agreement,” he added. He, however, maintained an impassive stance in the face of the demands. Understand what NATO is ‘I don’t make comments when there are differences’ “I am very clear about my role as secretary general: I don’t make comments when there are internal differences within the alliance,” he replied. “We work behind the scenes,” he said. He was chosen in 2024 for his ability to deal with Trump, with whom he has built a relationship of trust. He also makes a point of recognizing the American president’s role in “convincing” European NATO countries to significantly increase their defense spending. In June, 32 countries that are part of the military alliance committed to investing 5% of their Gross Domestic Products (GDP). However, regarding Greenland, Rutte maintains that it is possible to ensure the protection of the Arctic without military intervention. “There is consensus in NATO that, to protect the Arctic, we need to act together, and that is exactly what we are doing.” Donald Trump (left) and NATO chief Mark Rutte (right). AFP/ Saul Loeb and Wojtek Radwanski ❌ However, there remains uncertainty about how to react if Trump maintains his position. According to Jamie Shea, from the London think tank Chatham House, Rutte “needs to act quickly, but discreetly, behind the scenes, to convince the United States.” For the former deputy secretary general of the Alliance, Camille Grand, this is a kind of “good offices” mission, the effectiveness of which will depend on the moment it is put into practice. Grand also assesses that Rutte has “the legitimacy to say: ‘We will find a solution, I understand the American concern about this region and, in NATO, we have proposals'”. NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters Political capital with the USA This week, military personnel from several European countries arrived in Greenland to assess the conditions of a possible mobilization within the scope of NATO. If these initiatives are not enough, diplomats admit that Rutte may be led to use his main asset: the political capital accumulated with Trump to establish a clear limit. This feature, however, is seen as extreme. “Rutte knows that if he fails now, he could burn out and lose credibility with Trump,” said one diplomat. “He intended to reserve that card for Ukraine, but he may have to use it in relation to Greenland,” he added. Donald Trump is expected to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week, and the possible presence of Mark Rutte at the event is not ruled out.

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