Donald Trump became the center of yet another surreal moment at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague when NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte referred to him as “daddy” while discussing his blunt handling of the Israel-Iran conflict.
The unexpected comment followed President Trump’s outburst during a press conference on Tuesday (June 24), when he dropped an F-bomb while comparing the two Middle Eastern nations to unruly children.
“Daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get them to stop,” Rutte said, referring to President Trump’s profanity-laced rebuke aimed at both Israel and Iran.
Donald Trump, never one to miss a moment, responded with a grin during a press conference.
“I think he likes me. I think he likes me. If he doesn’t, I’ll let you know. I’ll come back, and I’ll hit him hard. Okay? ‘Daddy, you’re my daddy,'” Donald Trump said as Secretary of State Marco Rubio laughed behind him.
The comment drew laughter in the room but also raised eyebrows among diplomats.
Rutte later clarified he wasn’t literally calling Donald Trump “daddy” but was poking fun at how some European countries look to the U.S. for leadership.
While the exchange played well for the cameras, not everyone was amused. Several European officials, speaking privately, described the moment as “over the top” and “submissive,” with one diplomat telling Reuters the display “didn’t help the seriousness of the summit.”
The summit itself focused heavily on preventing further escalation in the Middle East, with NATO leaders urging restraint and diplomacy.
Donald Trump’s remarks, both in tone and content, dominated headlines and distracted from the summit’s broader goals.
Haha yeah I get that. It is weird for a man to say daddy. It seems gay to me. You’re right! But I still love how Trump laughed it off. 😂
— Catherine (@RagingBull767) June 26, 2025
🤣 Trump’s 'World’s Daddy' Moment pic.twitter.com/ifIs92gK34
— Ronni Salami (@RonniSalami) June 26, 2025
George Washington may be the Father of our country, but #Trump is our #Daddy #DaddyTrump
— KimDugger (@kimduggeratt) June 26, 2025
The head of NATO referred to Trump as "Daddy".
— 4MuhNinjas (@4Muh_Ninjas) June 26, 2025
The head of NATO referred to Trump as "Daddy".
— 4MuhNinjas (@4Muh_Ninjas) June 26, 2025
🤣 Trump’s 'World’s Daddy' Moment pic.twitter.com/ifIs92gK34
— Ronni Salami (@RonniSalami) June 26, 2025
🤣 Trump’s 'World’s Daddy' Moment pic.twitter.com/ifIs92gK34
— Ronni Salami (@RonniSalami) June 26, 2025