How Mark Rutte Became Trump’s ‘Whisperer’ After a Davos Pivot on Greenland

Just days before his Davos appearance, US President Donald Trump had stirred alarm in Europe with talk of acquiring Greenland. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, however, Trump publicly ruled out using military force to seize the Danish territory and announced — after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte — that the two had agreed on a possible framework and that he would not impose tariffs on European countries that opposed his earlier proposals.

Rutte’s Role and the Surprise Reversal

Details of the so-called Greenland framework remain scarce. NATO said a spokesperson confirmed Rutte did not propose any compromise on Danish sovereignty; in public comments to Fox News, Rutte emphasized that the conversation centered on Arctic security and how to implement the president’s vision for protecting Greenland and the wider Arctic region.

Then-Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte arrives on his bicycle at his official residence in The Hague on January 10, 2021. - Robin van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP/Getty Images

An Unlikely Diplomatic Pair

Mark Rutte, a pragmatic technocrat who served as the Netherlands’ prime minister for 14 years (2010–2024) and now heads NATO, and Donald Trump, a mercurial leader known for unorthodox tactics, appear at first glance an unlikely diplomatic pairing. But Rutte cultivated rapport with Trump over many years, including multiple visits to Washington and a public, viral moment at a NATO meeting when Rutte joked, “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” after Trump used an expletive while discussing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Public Praise, Private Messages

Rutte has publicly commended several of Trump’s actions — from US strikes in Syria to efforts related to Russia and Ukraine and calls for higher European defense spending — and their friendly tone has extended to private texts that Trump has posted on social media. In one message shared by Trump, Rutte wrote: "Mr President, Dear Donald. What you accomplished today in Syria is incredible," ending with a personal sign-off: "Can't wait to see you. Yours, Mark."

Rutte speaks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026. - Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Why Personal Ties Matter

Observers say Rutte’s approach reflects an understanding that personal relationships can influence this administration. Torrey Taussig, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, has noted that cultivating rapport with Trump has produced measurable results: last year’s NATO summit, for example, concluded with members agreeing to boost defense spending to post–Cold War highs — a shift often credited to Trump’s pressure.

What Comes Next

Despite Trump’s public renouncement of military action, he reiterated his interest in control of Greenland, and formal negotiations among Greenland, Denmark and the United States are expected to continue. European Union leaders scheduled an emergency summit to discuss the issue further.

Rutte’s public posture remains cautious. He described his Davos meeting with Trump as "very good" but deferred to the US president for further details, telling journalists, "Read the Truth Social post."

For now, Rutte’s role as a bridge to Trump has earned him renewed attention — and highlighted how informal diplomacy and personal rapport can shape high-stakes geopolitical outcomes.