Trump is in The Hague — and it’s all about him. Before the US president even stepped off the plane, the red carpet was rolled out (though it nearly flew away in the Dutch wind).
From royal dinners to gushy texts and speeches from Rutte, the Dutch are going all in to please him.
Let’s break down the five-star welcome the US president is getting.
Rutte’s message to Trump: if flattery was a sport, he’d take gold
NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, isn’t holding back on the compliments. In fact, he began sending them mid-flight.
Trump gleefully shared a screenshot of Rutte’s congratulatory message on Truth Social from his plane. And let’s say: subtlety did not make the passenger list.
🧵 3/3
— DW News (@dwnews) June 24, 2025
Rutte appeared unconcerned that Trump aired his message: "I have absolutely no trouble or problem with that because there's nothing in it which had to stay secret." Here's what his note to the US president said:
📸|Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters pic.twitter.com/3sQ6wMP0y9
Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran,” wrote Rutte in his message to Trump. He added, “You are now flying to another great success in The Hague tonight.”
But the real kicker? “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your success!” That sound you hear is a thousand eyebrows hitting the ceiling.
The NOS has confirmed the message’s authenticity.
Rutte also gave a special shoutout to Trump during his speech at dinner last night.
“Let me salute President Trump’s longstanding leadership in calling for NATO to increase defence spending… Mr President, dear Donald, that is thanks to you pushing us.”
The King thanks everyone, but Trump gets a special mention
King Willem-Alexander kept things royal, but let’s be honest, the flattery didn’t stop there.
During his dinner speech at Paleis Huis ten Bosch, the King thanked world leaders: “I wish you wisdom in your upcoming discussions, and I am confident that they will lead to a NATO that is stronger than ever.”
🇬🇧 ‘It was a great pleasure to receive you this evening at Huis Ten Bosch Palace. I wish you wisdom in your deliberations tomorrow and I have every confidence that they will result in a NATO that is stronger than ever.’ – King Willem-Alexander pic.twitter.com/ff6AeWdyZ7
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) June 24, 2025
But when it came to Trump? Oh, the flattery dial turned up: “Mr. President, it means a great deal to us to welcome you to our home tonight. We cherish the bonds of friendship that will always unite our countries.”
At this rate, everything from NATO to the napkins seems to be lining up to charm Trump.
Because this visit is all about him
As if the royal toast wasn’t enough, Trump wasn’t just dining — he spent the night. Instead of the usual guest spot at the Dam Palace, he was invited to stay at Paleis Huis ten Bosch, the King’s actual home.
According to NOS, royal expert Josine Droogendijk called the overnight stay “very special,” noting that it doesn’t happen anymore.
READ MORE | Trump to stay with Dutch royals, drops f-bomb before boarding flights to the Netherlands
Naturally, Trump posted a glowing thank-you on Truth Social this morning:
“Thank you to Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands for the tremendous honor of hosting me at their beautiful home tonight. The U.S.A. appreciates your gracious hospitality!”
At this point, between the flattery, the palace, and the perfectly worded speeches, The Hague has become a very formal fan club.
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Feature Image: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0
Disgusting! WTF NL?