Donald Trump shares private message with NATO chief with worrying threat to Europe
Note to self, never text Donald Trump unless you're comfortable with your messages potentially being broadcast to the world at any given moment.
This was the exact situation which NATO chief Mark Rutte found himself in earlier today (24 June) when the US leader decided to post a series of texts from the 58-year-old on to his Truth Social account.
"Mr. President, dear Donald," began Rutte's message, before going on to praise the 78-year-old for his role in achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
"Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, that was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer," he continued.
Advert
It's unclear if the message was sent before or after Trump dropped the F-bomb on live TV after learning that Israel was going to resume military strikes after an alleged violation by Iran.
Rutte's message then went on to say that Trump would be flying into 'another big success' at the upcoming NATO summit, as all member nations had agreed to spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, a move which the US leader has been pushing for.
"Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done," the message continued.
"Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win. Safe travels and see you at His Majesty’s dinner!"
NATO has since confirmed to Reuters that the gushing messages had been sent by Rutte earlier today, but declined to share any further details.
Rutte has not commented publicly on Trump's astonishing decision to share his messages publicly.
Although you'd assume the politician was likely surprised by the move, it's not the first time he's done this after having previously shared text messages from Mike Huckabee, who is the US Ambassador to Israel.
In his text messages, Huckabee was also very complimentary of Trump, and he called himself his 'appointed servant in this land' and that 'No President in my lifetime has been in a position like yours'.
"You sent me to Israel to be your eyes, ears and voice and to make sure our flag flies above our embassy. My job is to be the last one to leave. I will not abandon this post. Our flag will NOT come down!" he continued.
The move may have been an attempt by Rutte to get on the president's good side, as Trump had appeared to cast doubt America's role in Article 5 earlier today.
Speaking to reporters as he departed for The Hague, he said it 'depends on your definition' when asked about US commitments to NATO defence spending (via Politico).
"Depends on your definition. There are numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right? But I’m committed to being their friends." Trump said.
Asked to clarify his position once onboard Air Force One, he added: "I’m committed to saving lives. I’m committed to life and safety. And I’m going to give you an exact definition when I get there.
"I just don’t want to do it on the back of an airplane."
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News
Brenna Cooper