NATO Chief Rutte thanks Trump for pushing Europe to 'pay in a big way'

US president releases flattering message that also hails ‘truly extraordinary’ Iran strikes

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Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte has praised Donald Trump for making Europe “pay in a BIG way” on increased defence spending, in a private message that the US president shared on his social media platform.NATO Chief Rutte thanks Trump for pushing Europe to 'pay in a big way'

“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world,” Rutte wrote ahead of a Nato summit that begins on Tuesday, referencing the US president’s demand that all allies commit to raising defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP.

“You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done,” he added, according to screenshots of his text message posted by Trump to Truth Social while travelling to The Hague.

“It was not easy but we’ve got them all signed onto 5 per cent!” Rutte wrote. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.”

Rutte’s congratulations belied simmering controversy prompted by Spain’s refusal to agree to the 5 per cent target.

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While many European allies including Germany, France and the UK have committed to meet Trump’s new target, Spain has secured an opt-out, increasing the likelihood of a clash at the meeting.

Trump posted Rutte’s texts after saying that Spain’s opposition to his 5 per cent demand was a “problem” while aboard Air Force One.

“There’s a problem with Spain. Spain is not [agreeing]. Which is very unfair to the rest of the people,” the US president said.

Trump also questioned the military alliance’s core mutual defence pact, known as Article 5.