'The Interview': The Head of NATO Thinks President Trump 'Deserves All the Praise'

The Daily

2025/07/05

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

Secretary general Mark Rutte has only good things to say about the mercurial U.S. leader and his impact on the world stage. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/po...

Highlights

In a wide-ranging discussion, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reflects on the alliance's evolving role in global security, the shifting dynamics of transatlantic defense cooperation, and the impact of U.S. leadership on NATO’s trajectory. The conversation delves into strategic priorities, internal challenges, and the future of collective defense.

07:15

Most NATO nations agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

18:03

Trump's team debates NATO commitments and deterrence strategy

33:11

Trump helped eight countries reach the 2% defense spending goal.

Chapters

How Trump Pushed Europe to Spend More on Defense

00:00

Shifting Alliances: America’s Pivot and Europe’s New Responsibilities

18:03

Can NATO Stay United with Differing Democratic Standards?

27:07

Transcript

Mark Rutte: The New York Times app has all this stuff that you may not have seen. Lulu Garcia-Navarro: The way the tabs are at the top with all of the different sections. Mark Rutte: I can immediately navigate to something that matches what I'm feeling. ...