U.S. commitment to NATO ‘not in doubt’, says Rutte

NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has reassured allies that the United States remains fully committed to the alliance’s cornerstone Article 5, the mutual defense clause,  amid ambiguous remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at a press conference in The Hague, Rutte, according to Reuters, dismissed concerns, stating he had “no doubt that the U.S. is committed to NATO, totally committed to Article 5”.

His remarks were timely, following Trump’s statement aboard Air Force One that U.S. allegiance to Article 5 “depends on your definition,” which had stoked anxiety among European members. Rutte firmly countered that narrative, emphasizing that the alliance’s unity was clear and unwavering.

The reassurance comes as NATO leaders at the summit pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 — a demand driven by Trump — while affirming that “an attack on one is an attack on all” in their summit declaration. Al Jazeera further reports that Rutte also praised Trump for catalyzing the spending agreement, likening his decisive stance on Middle East tensions to that of a firm “guardian” or “daddy” figure in global affairs.

U.S. President Donald Trump takes part in a NATO group photo at the summit. Photo: AP News

Despite discussions on budgetary imbalance, NATO’s Dutch summit under Rutte has successfully highlighted the U.S. commitment and fortified the alliance’s collective defense posture. As Trump and other leaders pressed for greater military expenditure, Rutte’s steady leadership is being credited with maintaining cohesion and confidence throughout the gathering.