NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was asked in Brussels about the new tariffs imposed by the United States and their potential impact on the economy of allied countries.
However, he declined to offer specific comments on the issue.
Rutte stated that he is “laser-focused” on ensuring the security of NATO territories.
He added that the greatest and most persistent threat to the alliance is Russia.
“From this, we understand that it is a long-term, persistent, and unpleasant threat, and that is Russia. This must be our focus. That is why I am not commenting on tariffs,” he said.
When asked if the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump are contributing to rising inflation and hindering countries from spending more on defense, Rutte responded, “This is for national politics and the politicians who have to navigate it, and that is what they are doing.”
“I don’t think I am helping this alliance by commenting on something that isn’t actually part of the alliance’s policy, which is to ensure we can defend ourselves,” Rutte added.
