“Sometimes a Father Has to Use Strong Language to Discipline His Children” – Mark Rutte Refers to President Donald Trump
[The Hague, June 25, 2025]
At the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where world leaders were engaged in serious discussions on the tense Middle East situation—particularly the recent Iran-Israel conflict—U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added a touch of humor that shifted the tone of the conversation.
During a press conference, President Trump made a striking comparison between Iran and Israel, saying:
“They’re like two kids—in the same schoolyard. They fight like hell. You can’t stop them. Let them fight for two or three minutes, then it becomes easier to break it up.”
Following this, questions arose regarding some of the “coarse language” used by Trump. Responding in a light-hearted tone, NATO Secretary General Rutte remarked:
“When your children fight, sometimes as a father you have to use strong language.”
He indirectly characterized Trump’s leadership style as that of a “strict father trying to restore peace.”
Trump then joined in, saying:
“Yes, sometimes you have to use tough words. You have to say certain things so that everyone understands—it’s time to stop.”
According to analysts, beneath the humor and informal banter lies a deliberate U.S. diplomatic strategy aimed at de-escalating international tensions through pressure and assertive rhetoric. However, this kind of provocative metaphor and blunt language has once again sparked debate over Trump’s style of leadership on the global stage.
Some diplomats argue that such candid remarks are part of Trump’s broader strategy—applying pressure, asserting control, and pulling conflicting parties back to the negotiation table.
