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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, just two weeks before the military alliance's annual summit. The meeting comes at a delicate moment as the Pentagon reviews the size of the United States' military presence in Europe.
Trump has long been critical of NATO, arguing that the US bears a greater financial burden than its allies on defense spending. His criticism has intensified after the war with Iran, as he has expressed dissatisfaction with some member countries that, according to him, did not respond to calls to support the resumption of oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains blocked.
The US president has repeated threats to withdraw the US from the 77-year-old alliance, increasing uncertainty ahead of a NATO leaders' summit next month in Turkey.
However, Rutte, who is known for his ability to maintain good relations with Trump, is expected to use the meeting at the White House to reduce tensions and secure the US president's support for the alliance.
His visit comes after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized allies during a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels last week. At that meeting, he announced the launch of a six-month Pentagon review of the presence of US forces in Europe.
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