NATO chief mocked as ‘McDonald’s employee of the month’ over Trump messages

NATO chief mocked as ‘McDonald’s employee of the month’ over Trump messages

In a blistering critique that has lit up European social media, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has been branded a grovelling “McDonald’s employee of the month” by French MEP Nathalie Loiseau, following the leak of private texts in which he lavished praise on US President Donald Trump.

The texts, intended as diplomatic communication, addressed Trump as “dear Donald,” hailed his “incredible” accomplishments, and promised Rutte’s commitment to finding a “way forward” on the US president’s controversial bid to acquire Greenland.

Loiseau, a former chair of the European Parliament’s defense subcommittee, did not mince words in her X post. “Mark Rutte does not run NATO; he is the equivalent of McDonald’s employee of the month,” she wrote on Tuesday, framing the secretary-general not as a leader, but as a subservient employee performing for approval.

A pattern of flattery

Critics say the messages reflect a long-standing approach by Rutte: a careful, often excessive display of flattery toward Trump, which some European observers view as groveling diplomacy. Supporters defend it as pragmatic engagement with the US, NATO’s dominant military power.

The texts echo public moments from last year’s NATO summit, when Rutte repeatedly complimented Trump. In one joint press conference, when Trump likened Middle East tensions to a schoolyard quarrel, Rutte interjected, calling Trump “daddy,” suggesting he sometimes needed “strong language to get them to stop.” European media widely condemned these exchanges as “cringe-worthy” and a sign of orchestrated subservience.

Loiseau’s “McDonald’s employee” metaphor hits on a familiar corporate image: dutiful service for recognition rather than independent leadership.

Greenland dispute fuels transatlantic tension

The spat comes amid escalating tensions over Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, a self-governing territory of NATO member Denmark. European leaders rejected the idea outright, only for Trump to threaten tariffs on several countries that opposed the plan.

Analysts say the rift underscores a deep transatlantic divide. Trump has long accused NATO’s European members of underfunding defense and questioned whether the bloc would support the US without American muscle. His Greenland ambitions, combined with threats of economic punishment, have left European leaders scrambling to respond while avoiding direct confrontation.

Diplomacy or cringe?

Rutte’s defenders argue his approach is realpolitik: placating the US to keep NATO functional and avoid punitive actions. Critics, however, see a pattern of unnecessary public groveling that undermines European credibility.

Loiseau’s scathing post has reignited debates across the EU: should NATO leaders temper flattery for strategy, or is a strong-handed approach with Trump necessary? For now, the image of Rutte as the “employee of the month” is dominating social feeds across the continent, symbolizing Europe’s frustration with the unpredictable US president.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com