Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has officially assumed the role of NATO’s new chief, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg during a ceremony in Brussels on October 1.
This transition occurs as NATO navigates the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, a situation that could shift dramatically if Donald Trump were to win the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
In his acceptance speech, Rutte addressed concerns about a potential Trump presidency, asserting that NATO would continue its support for Ukraine.
During the ceremony, Rutte and Stoltenberg warmly greeted each other outside NATO’s Brussels headquarters before laying a wreath in honor of fallen military personnel, surrounded by flags representing the alliance’s 32 member countries.
Stoltenberg praised Rutte’s extensive experience, stating, “Mark has the perfect background to become a great secretary general. He has served as prime minister for 14 years and led four different coalition governments, which means he understands how to make compromises and create consensus—skills that are highly valued at NATO.”
Rutte expressed eagerness to begin his new role, outlining his priorities: supporting Ukraine as the war enters its third year, increasing defense spending, and strengthening NATO’s global partnerships, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic relationship among the United States, Canada, and Europe, stating his confidence in collaborating effectively with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
Concerns among smaller NATO members persist that a Trump presidency might undermine the alliance’s foundational principle of collective defense. Rutte remarked, “I know both candidates very well,” commending Trump for encouraging NATO allies to increase their military spending and for adopting a tougher stance on China. He also acknowledged Vice President Kamala Harris’s “fantastic record” and regarded her as a “highly respected leader.”
Rutte affirmed, “I will be able to work with both, regardless of the election’s outcome.”
Stoltenberg, NATO’s 13th secretary-general, held office since 2014, the same year that Russian forces began to infiltrate Ukraine, leading to the annexation of Crimea. His tenure, marked by a significant increase in defense spending among NATO members, was only surpassed by Dutch diplomat Joseph Luns, who led NATO for 12 years.
Trump has previously criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, suggesting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should have made concessions to Vladimir Putin before the invasion in 2022.
