The White House has jumped on a viral moment that emerged from the recent NATO summit held in the Netherlands, where a lighthearted remark from Secretary-General Mark Rutte sparked a social media frenzy. During a press briefing addressing the growing tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump likened the conflict to “two kids in a schoolyard.” He added, “They fight like hell. You can’t stop them. Let them fight for about two or three minutes, then it’s easier to stop.”
In response, Rutte jokingly quipped, “And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” referring to Trump’s role in managing the diplomatic situation. The remark instantly went viral, giving birth to the hashtag #DaddyTrump, which trended widely across platforms.
Seizing the opportunity, the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a one-minute video montage of President Trump arriving at the summit, accompanied by Usher’s 2010 hit song ‘Daddy’s Home’ as the background track. The video playfully leans into the internet’s embrace of the moment, adding a pop-culture twist to the summit’s otherwise serious tone.
The incident showcases how political figures and institutions are increasingly leaning into viral culture and digital trends to shape public perception and engagement.
