Rutte explained his words about Trump as "daddy"

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte compared US President Donald Trump to his father as a metaphor for relations between NATO countries. He stated this on June 25 after the summit of the military bloc in The Hague.

"I said it's a bit like a little kid asking his dad, 'Hey, are you still with us, are you staying with the family?' In this sense, I used the word "daddy," but I did not call President Trump "daddy," Rutte explained.

Also during the summit, journalists pointed out to Trump such a comparison from the Secretary General and asked if he treats NATO member countries like children.

"He seems to like me. If it's not, I'll let you know. I'll come back and spank him hard, okay?" the US president said.

Then one of the journalists in the audience noted the special tenderness with which Rutte spoke about the American leader. After this remark, Trump said, "Daddy, my daddy."

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On the same day, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the NATO summit in The Hague demonstrated a change in the alliance's policy under the influence of Trump.