DID Press: As US President Donald Trump sharply criticized some NATO members for their reluctance to participate in operations to reopen the Hormuz Strait, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to travel to Washington next week for previously scheduled meetings.
A NATO spokesperson confirmed that Rutte will undertake a “pre-planned” trip to Washington. The visit comes amid Trump’s recent speeches, including last night’s address, in which he expressed frustration with NATO members’ unwillingness to engage in Hormuz Strait operations.
Allison Hart, NATO spokesperson, told Reuters that Rutte’s Washington visit will proceed as planned. A White House official also confirmed the trip.
Despite generally good relations between Trump and Rutte, the prolonged Iran conflict has led the U.S. president to increasingly criticize certain NATO members, particularly the United Kingdom and France.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday, March 11, that Washington may reconsider its relationship with NATO after the Middle East conflict concludes, noting that the final decision rests with President Trump.