WATCH: Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Rutte in the Oval Office

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with President Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to address the U.S. leader's sharp criticisms of the military alliance. Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States shoulders a disproportionate amount of NATO's military spending and has threatened to withdraw from the 77-year-old organization.

Rutte, known for his ability to engage with Trump, gently pushed back against the president's grievances. He acknowledged Trump's specific disappointments but emphasized that, "generally speaking, your European allies have been there with you." Rutte also pointed to the significant use of European bases by U.S. aircraft prior to the Iran ceasefire.

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I know there have been isolated cases about which you are really disappointed, but generally speaking, your European allies have been there with you.

The meeting occurred as the Pentagon conducts a review of the U.S. military footprint in Europe. This review follows recent criticisms from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who echoed some of Trump's concerns, faulting European allies for not facilitating U.S. military operations targeting Iran. NATO allies were reportedly not consulted before the U.S. and Israel launched military action on February 28.

Trump's frustrations stem partly from perceived lack of support from allies during recent military actions, including his call for help restarting oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz. His threats to leave NATO, a cornerstone of European security since the Cold War, have created significant upheaval for the 32-member alliance, particularly as leaders prepare for an upcoming summit in Turkey.

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they weren't too nice to us in our recent little military skirmish.