NATO chief Rutte visits White House to ease tensions with Trump ahead of summit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the White House on Tuesday in an effort to reduce tensions with US President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming NATO summit next month.

The visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain unity within the alliance and align positions before the annual meeting. While specifics of the talks were not disclosed, defense spending and transatlantic relations are believed to have been key topics.

Tensions between Trump and NATO allies have grown in recent months, with the US president criticizing several member states for not meeting defense spending targets. Rutte's trip is seen as a move to mend fences before the summit, which is scheduled for July.

The upcoming NATO summit will address regional security and future cooperation. No official statement has been issued regarding the outcome of the White House meeting.