Oval Office
12:33 P.M. EDT
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to be here with my good friend, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. We had a great relationship during his tenure, and I’m happy to support him now as he takes on the role of Secretary General of NATO.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Absolutely.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Mark is doing an outstanding job. I’ve heard nothing but positive reports about his performance. Our support for him was immediate once I learned he would be taking on this challenging role.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Thank you.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We’ll be discussing a variety of pressing issues today, particularly the situation between Ukraine and Russia. Currently, we have representatives, including Steve Witkoff, in serious talks in Russia. Ukraine has tentatively agreed to a complete ceasefire, and we hope Russia will reciprocate.
Sadly, thousands of young lives are being lost each week in this conflict. It’s a humanitarian crisis that extends beyond national borders. The casualties are predominantly young people from Russia and Ukraine, and we all share the desire to see this violence come to an end.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Exactly.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: It’s a tremendous burden on the United States and other nations involved. It’s infuriating to see this happen, especially considering how things might be different had I been in office. But it’s crucial we work together now to bring it to a close.
Mark has made significant strides in the past week, and I appreciate his efforts. We’ll also touch on trade and other topics during our luncheon today. Mark, would you like to share your thoughts?
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Thank you, Mr. President. I truly appreciate you hosting me today and also for taking the time to speak with me in Florida shortly after your re-election. Your influence has been pivotal in increasing European defense spending by an astonishing $700 billion since you took office in 2016.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: That’s right.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: And now, as we look forward to the future under your leadership, the commitment to an additional $800 billion in defense spending from European nations is staggering. Countries like Germany are gearing up to contribute significantly as well.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Indeed.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: We need to ramp up our defense production to keep pace with Russia and China, as our current output is not sufficient. I’d like to collaborate with you to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and increase weapon production.
Moreover, regarding Ukraine, you’ve played a crucial role in breaking the deadlock. The violence and destruction need to stop. I commend you for initiating dialogue and facilitating talks in Saudi Arabia, which is a significant step forward.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I’m looking forward to visiting The Hague this summer and working together to ensure NATO remains a strong and united front.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Absolutely. Your leadership is essential.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: When I first attended a NATO meeting, I noticed many allies were not meeting their financial commitments. Only a handful were contributing adequately. It’s a system that needed reform, and I made it clear that the U.S. wouldn’t bear the burden alone.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: It’s even worse than you mentioned; it was as low as three countries.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: It’s shocking, really. I insisted on accountability, and as a result, NATO’s financial strength has increased dramatically. The influx of funds has made NATO more robust.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Absolutely.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Now, we must ensure that we utilize this strength wisely and work toward ending the conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicate that discussions in Russia are moving forward, and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: It’s crucial for global stability.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We’re not just talking about financial implications; we’re discussing human lives. The costs involved in this conflict are astronomical and preventable. It’s an honor to have you leading NATO, Mark.
SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: Thank you, Mr. President. It’s an important position, and I’m committed to ensuring that NATO remains a strong alliance.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We also have some notable figures from our energy sector here today. Let’s not forget about the importance of energy in our discussions.
(Cross-talk.)
Q: Mr. President, regarding Russia—
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Please, go ahead.
Q: What specific outcomes do you hope for from Steve Witkoff’s trip to Moscow?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Our primary goal is a ceasefire from Russia. Discussions are ongoing about territorial agreements and other critical elements of a potential resolution. We’re emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire without wasting time.
Q: President Putin has mentioned some concerns regarding a ceasefire. Are you planning to speak directly with him soon?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I would certainly be open to that. His recent statements are promising, and I believe a direct conversation could be beneficial.
Q: Some in Canada are concerned about your tariffs on aluminum and steel. Do you plan to reconsider those tariffs?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Absolutely not. We’ve been taken advantage of for too long. The U.S. cannot continue to subsidize another nation’s economy at such a high cost.
Q: What’s your perspective on NATO’s future and its relevance?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: NATO must remain strong and relevant, especially under the leadership of Mark Rutte. We share the goal of ending this conflict and will work together to achieve it.
Q: Are you concerned about the implications of a potential government shutdown?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Any shutdown would be the Democrats’ responsibility. We’re committed to passing significant legislation that includes tax cuts and incentives for businesses to hire more workers.
Q: On the subject of North Korea, do you envision re-establishing the positive relationship you had with Kim Jong Un during your first term?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I had a productive relationship with Kim, and if I were still in office, tensions would not have escalated. We need to continue those dialogues to maintain peace.
Thank you all for being here today. Your engagement in these discussions is crucial as we navigate these complex issues.
END 1:20 P.M. EDT
