NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has been accused of prioritising appeasement of former U.S. President Donald Trump over European allies. Rutte’s recent success in convincing Trump to abandon claims over Greenland was praised by some, but European leaders-France’s Jean‑Noël Barrot, France’s Nathalie Loiseau, Spain’s Nacho Sánchez Amor and Denmark’s Villy Søvndal-have publicly criticised his approach. In the European Parliament Rutte declared that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, prompting a sharp rebuke that “Europe must take care of its own security.” The comments have sparked a debate within NATO about whether the alliance should remain heavily reliant on the United States or pursue a more independent European security framework. Rutte’s strategy has been described by some allies as a ‘bandage’ that alienates partners and deepens divisions. The tension highlights a growing rift between NATO’s U.S.‑led leadership and European members who are demanding a more balanced defence posture. The situation remains unresolved, with NATO’s future direction under scrutiny.

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