Mark Rutte: From Master of Austerity to Flatterer of Trump on Defense Spending

The reverent message sent by Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, urging European nations to increase defense spending has sparked controversy. Known as a master of austerity during his tenure as Dutch Prime Minister, Rutte now champions higher military budgets. His public flattery towards former U.S. President Donald Trump for pushing this agenda has drawn criticism, labeled as everything from ‘lame’ to ‘subservient.’ Despite backlash, Rutte openly defended his stance. Speaking at the NATO Summit in The Hague, he reiterated that there is no alternative to increasing defense spending given ongoing threats from Russia. While once cutting billions from public sectors and military budgets, Rutte now calls for dramatic increases. This shift raises questions about his political consistency. As NATO’s leader, Rutte advocates for member states to raise defense budgets to 5% of GDP—a response to Trump’s demands and growing fears over Russian aggression since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Acknowledging the financial strain, Rutte emphasized its necessity, praising Trump for compelling Europe to meet these targets.