In the delicate world of international diplomacy, sometimes a little “cringe” is necessary. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a key member of the European delegation in Washington, has perfected an unconventional art of managing Donald Trump with language that some allies find “cringe-making.”
Rutte’s inclusion in the “bodyguard” mission for Volodymyr Zelenskyy is strategic. His proven ability to disarm Trump through flattery is a vital asset. His most famous tactic was referring to the US president as “Daddy” during a tense NATO summit, an eyebrow-raising move that successfully averted a disastrous outburst.
This willingness to use effusive, sometimes over-the-top praise is central to his role in the current crisis. Rutte has repeatedly praised Trump in public, especially on Fox News, for pushing NATO members on defense spending. This is designed to appeal to Trump’s ego and create a more favorable atmosphere for the difficult conversation about Ukraine.
While other leaders like Macron and Merz will present the hard, strategic arguments, Rutte’s job is to act as the diplomatic lubricant. His “cringe-making” tactics may be unorthodox, but they are viewed as a necessary, pragmatic tool to prevent a breakdown in communication and protect Ukrainian interests.