Rutte met with Trump at the White House and confirmed that the American president is "undoubtedly disappointed" with NATO and the level of military spending by European members of the Alliance.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as constructive but acknowledged that Trump clearly expressed his frustration with European allies who do not meet the agreed level of 2% of GDP for defense.

"He is undoubtedly disappointed and I understand him", Rutte stated after the meeting. He added that European countries must urgently increase their military budgets if they want to retain the American commitment to collective defense.

Trump once again called on European members to take on a larger share of defense costs, hinting that the US could reconsider its role in the Alliance if allies do not fulfill their obligations. The meeting took place in the context of a deteriorating security situation in Europe and the Middle East.