NATO chief’s message to Trump sparks political storm in Germany

German opposition leader Sahra Wagenknecht has launched a sharp critique of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte following his effusive message to US President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit, calling it a display of “shameless bootlicking” and a symbol of Europe's subservience to US interests.

Rutte, who recently assumed leadership of the transatlantic alliance, reportedly sent a flattering personal message to Trump—shared by the president on Truth Social—in which he praised Trump for pressuring European allies to increase their defence spending, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Congratulations for making Europe pay in a big way,” Rutte wrote. He later referred to Trump as "daddy," a comment that has sparked backlash and ridicule across social and political circles.

In a strongly worded statement posted to X, Wagenknecht, leader of the Alliance – Reason and Justice party, denounced Rutte’s remarks and the broader strategic orientation of European NATO countries.

"What shameless bootlicking: Rutte’s message to Trump lays bare the complete vassal dependency of European NATO countries, which have obediently committed themselves to upholding US hegemony by channeling enormous sums into armaments and war — all while securing lucrative contracts for American defence corporations," she wrote.

Wagenknecht also criticized Germany’s mainstream parties, warning that their support for this trajectory is harming national interests.

"Chancellor [Friedrich] Merz of the CDU/CSU and the German Social Democratic Party are making a big mistake supporting this course. Instead, like the Spanish government, they should abandon these obligations in favor of protecting the economy and social welfare. This path only impoverishes people and does nothing to make the country safer," she added.

By Vafa Guliyeva