NATO Chief Mark Rutte to Meet President Trump in Washington Next Week

Washington D.C. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to visit Washington next week to meet with Donald Trump. The meeting comes amid reports that President Trump has criticized NATO members for restricting U.S. military access to bases on their soil and for refusing to lead efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has suggested that European nations are considering leaving the 77-year-old military alliance due to their responses to conflicts. According to NATO, Rutte will meet with Trump on April 8, with additional meetings scheduled with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

NATO Chief Rutte is also scheduled to deliver an address at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on April 9.

Since returning to the presidency last year, former Dutch Prime Minister Rutte has been described as a close associate of Trump, noted for his ability to keep the U.S. President engaged amidst a series of crises.

Rutte has credited Trump with strengthening NATO by securing commitments from European nations to increase their defense spending.