US President Donald Trump—already no stranger to theatrical diplomacy—unwittingly acquired a new nickname at the NATO Summit in The Hague. The label “Daddy” emerged from a candid moment between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during informal summit exchanges, where Trump compared the Iran-Israel conflict to a schoolyard fight. “They’ve had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard,” Trump remarked, prompting Rutte to quip, “And then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.” The exchange quickly went viral after the White House released a one-minute promotional video showing Trump’s arrival and interactions with world leaders, scored to Usher’s Daddy’s Home. The video, posted on official channels, embraced the moment with uncharacteristic levity, portraying Trump as a commanding, yet affable, statesman returning to the geopolitical stage with authority. The clip marked a rare instance of presidential branding colliding directly with internet meme culture. Summit Atmosphere Punctuated By Humor, But Iran Tensions Loom Over Diplomatic Optics The context for the moment was hardly trivial. Trump had just concluded high-risk mediation that led to a tenuous ceasefire between Iran and Israel, following a 12-day flare-up involving airstrikes, nuclear site bombardments, and rhetorical escalation. In describing the conflict as a fight that had run its course, Trump delivered one of his more explicit remarks: “The two countries have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.” Rutte’s use of the “Daddy” moniker, delivered with a smirk, turned a potentially volatile moment into one of light-hearted charm. Observers noted that Rutte, dubbed behind closed doors as the “Trump Whisperer,” had made concerted efforts to keep the American president engaged—including compressing the summit schedule, staging informal huddles, and even hosting a private meeting at the Dutch royal palace. Rutte’s casual rapport helped maintain summit focus amidst the backdrop of a world once again teetering on the edge of nuclear anxiety. Trump’s Relaxed Tone Contrasts With Warnings Over Iran’s Nuclear Intentions Asked later about the nickname, Trump dismissed any concern and leaned into the humour. “He did it very affectionately,” Trump told reporters, cracking a smile. “Daddy, you’re my daddy,” he added, echoing the phrase as laughter erupted among the press corps and within his own delegation. Present during the exchange was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who chuckled at the remark—adding to a sense that the Trump delegation was treating the summit not only as a forum for diplomacy but also as a stage for optics. Though not prone to public profanity, Trump’s use of blunt language and his embrace of the “Daddy” moniker are widely seen as part of his broader strategy: projecting strength, relatability, and unfiltered authenticity, even in international settings. Trump Touts Iran Airstrikes As ‘mission Accomplished,’ Says Nuclear Program ‘blown Up’ Despite the relaxed tone, the stakes remain exceptionally high. Trump asserted that the United States had effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear infrastructure through targeted strikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. “We destroyed the nuclear,” Trump declared. “It’s blown up to Kingdom Come.” His assessment, however, has not been independently verified. While the Pentagon insists that the strike was “spectacularly successful,” Iranian officials have downplayed the damage, claiming that their nuclear program remains functional. Tehran has fast-tracked parliamentary proposals to sever cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), prompting alarm from European observers that the ceasefire may be temporary. Trump Insists Agreement With Iran Is Optional: ‘We Fought, It’s Done, No Deal Needed’ Trump’s diplomatic posture remains unconventional. While confirming that “we’re going to meet with them,” referring to potential US-Iran discussions next week, the president downplayed the necessity of a formal nuclear agreement. “To me, I don’t think it’s that necessary,” Trump said. “They fought, the war is done.” However, Iranian officials have not confirmed any talks. In Tehran, parliamentarians questioned whether the United States could be trusted following the recent airstrikes. “They may sign something, but they won’t disarm,” said one unnamed Iranian official to Al-Alam TV, suggesting the window for diplomacy may be narrower than Trump believes. As NATO Allies Watch, All Eyes Turn To Next Week’s Potential Trump-Raisi Backchannel Ultimately, the “Daddy” moment may outlast the summit itself—echoing across campaign rallies, internet memes, and late-night commentary. Yet the issues it overlays are anything but frivolous. With Iran’s compliance uncertain, Israel’s readiness intact, and the IAEA’s access curtailed, the theatre of diplomacy is entering a high-risk phase. In this setting, Trump’s choice to embrace the nickname, share the video, and double down on his rhetoric suggests a presidency comfortable in chaos and calibrated for optics. Whether that translates to durable peace—or further provocation—remains to be seen. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.