Part 3/10:
This kind of flattery has caused many to wonder why European leaders feel the need to engage in such a display of admiration. Trump has instigated a trade war, displayed leniency toward Putin, and even blurred the lines regarding NATO’s Article 5 commitments, yet the charm offensive continues unabated. Notably, former Dutch Prime Minister and NATO head Mark Rutte sent Trump a message stating that “Europe is going to pay in a big way,” implying a concession of power to Trump that many find troubling.