NATO chief may have to match his made-for-Trump sales pitch to keep a summit on the rails

Since becoming NATO secretary-general, Mark Rutte has focused on keeping the United States committed to the alliance, often using flattery to persuade President Donald Trump not to abandon it. Initially, Trump criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending, but this was addressed when allies agreed to match U.S. spending in GDP terms. Now, the challenge is converting that spending into military capabilities amid concerns about Russia. Despite Rutte’s efforts, including a presentation at the White House highlighting European and Canadian defense spending, Trump remains dissatisfied, particularly with allies’ reluctance to join the Iran conflict. Trump hinted he might skip the upcoming summit if not for its host, Turkish President Erdogan. Rutte’s strategy has involved significant flattery, even likening Trump to a “daddy,” to maintain U.S. involvement in NATO, which has been threatened by Trump’s actions and statements. QUESTION: How might the relationship between the U.S. and NATO change if the U.S. were to withdraw from the alliance?