In a moment that has quickly spiralled from diplomatic praise to viral chaos, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte inadvertently triggered a social media storm by calling US President Donald Trump “daddy” during a press briefing in The Hague. The remark, meant as a compliment for Trump’s role in brokering the Israel-Iran ceasefire, set the internet ablaze and even prompted the White House to briefly join in the joke.
The comment came as Rutte addressed Trump’s push for increased NATO defence spending. “Then daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” he said, in a remark that was meant to compliment Trump’s strong-armed diplomacy, but social media heard something else entirely.
Donald Trump’s Reaction
When asked by a journalist if he regarded his NATO allies as children, Donald Trump responded, “He did it very affectionately. Daddy, you’re my daddy.” Trump’s reaction has sparked further controversy, with many interpreting his response as an endorsement of Rutte’s remark.
Better angle of Marco Rubio’s reaction after reporter asks a question to “daddy” Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/iRsT26DhE5
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) June 25, 2025
The White House appeared to lean into the humour, posting a playful edit of the moment on X (formerly Twitter). They shared the video of President Donald Trump at the NATO summit, set to the tune of Usher’s Daddy’s Home.
🎶 Daddy’s home… Hey, hey, hey, Daddy.
President Donald J. Trump attended the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/asJb5FD2Ii
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2025
Social Media Reaction
Within minutes, “Daddy” became the internet’s favourite new moniker for Trump. X exploded with reactions. One user wrote, “We live in the best timeline. The NATO chief called Trump daddy and the internet will never recover.” Another said, “Mark Rutte just launched a thousand memes with one word.”
Someone also joked, “This NATO summit has gone full sitcom.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s reaction to the journalist’s question was also something the internet could not miss.
🚨 LMAO! Marco Rubio absolutely LOST his composure in the background as Trump is asked about NATO Secretary General calling him “daddy.” 🤣
REPORTER: “Mark Rutte, the NATO Chief, he called you ‘daddy’ earlier…Do you regard your NATO allies as children?”
RUBIO: 🤣🤣🤣
TRUMP:… pic.twitter.com/eJEtjQqjeL
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 25, 2025
This clip of President Trump answering the “Daddy” question and Marco Rubio cracking up is my favorite of the day. It’s absolutely priceless. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8DkMr1EUPb
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) June 26, 2025
“Daddy’s home” isn’t a meme. it’s foreign policy now. pic.twitter.com/GGc9HqKAEe
— Make Men Great Again (@OneXOneY) June 26, 2025
For many, the summit’s focus on global security took a backseat to the sheer absurdity of the moment.
