WASHINGTON -- In a compelling speech at the Reagan Institute's Center for Peace Through Strength, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticized European allies for their long-standing "unhealthy codependence" on the United States. This dependency, he argued, has persisted for decades.
Following his "frank and open" dialogue with President Trump on Wednesday regarding growing tensions within NATO, Rutte, 59, admitted that many European nations have become complacent concerning defense initiatives.
"Some European allies have shifted away from years of investment and conventional military alliances with the United States during the Cold War," Rutte remarked, citing an "unhealthy codependence" as the result.
He explained, "They became so convinced that peace was a permanent state, neglecting the investments we now realize are crucial. Western European military forces dwindled, and defense budgets were reduced to insignificance, relying on the belief that security was the norm and that the U.S. would handle any emerging threats."
Rutte highlighted Russian leader Vladimir Putin's aggressive actions as a crucial wake-up call, commending the measures European nations have adopted since the conflict in Ukraine to bolster their defense expenditures.
Dubbed the "Trump Whisperer," Rutte acknowledged the widespread concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance. However, he sought to reassure his audience that positive developments are underway, hinting at a more balanced partnership moving forward.
"This alliance is not whistling past the graveyard," Rutte declared. "I recognize we are in a period of profound change in the transatlantic alliance. Europe is assuming a greater and fair share of the task of providing for its conventional defense."
Following his meeting with Trump, 79, on Wednesday, Rutte confided in European allies that Trump is expecting NATO allies to make solid commitments on assisting with reopening the Strait of Hormuz within days, Reuters reported.
"The Secretary General is in contact with Allies about his discussions in Washington," NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement to The Post.
"It's clear that the United States expects concrete commitments and action to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
Since the crisis around the critical oil chokepoint began, Trump has publicly called on "countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage."
"NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!" Trump fumed in a signed Truth Social post on Wednesday.
"None of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them!!!" he lamented Thursday.
Trump's broadsides against NATO are just the latest flashpoint in friction with the 32-member bloc, following tension earlier this year over the president's pressure campaign to acquire Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark, a member of the group.
Rutte acknowledged that Trump has been "disappointed" with NATO allies for not being more helpful during the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, where over a fifth of the world's seaborne oil flows through annually.
But he also contended that the bulk of the alliance has been helpful with assets such as minehunters, frigates, and radar technology.
"NATO will be willing to play a role in a possible Strait of Hormuz mission if it is able to," Rutte said.
The NATO honcho who went viral last year for referring to Trump as "daddy" after the president lashed out at Israel for striking Iran.
"On the daddy thing, this is a language problem," Rutte said. "I was not calling him my daddy, but saying -- but of course, 'daddy' has also a special connotation, and I have to stay with this for the rest of my life."
"Yeah, you make mistakes. And this is [what happens] when you are not a native speaker]," he added. "I have to live with this for the rest of my life."