It comes amid rising fears among European countries over Trump’s impact on the alliance, given his previous comments questioning the value of NATO and threatening not to defend members who don’t pay enough into the organization.
Rutte, who formally became NATO’s secretary-general in October, also met with U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser.
“A strong NATO that restores deterrence and peace requires all member nations to do their part commensurate with their economic strength!” Waltz said on X following the meeting.
Rutte, who was Dutch prime minister for almost 14 years, was seen as having a better relationship with Trump than many other European officials during his last presidency.
