Incoming Dutch PM stands behind old remarks calling Trump "misogynist" and "criminal"
In recent years, as D66 leader, the Netherlands’ future Prime Minister Rob Jetten harshly criticized United States president Donald Trump. Jetten called Trump a “convicted criminal,” a “misogynist,” and “a danger to international security,” among other statements. Less than a week before being sworn in as Prime Minister, Jetten does not intend to retract those statements, he told RTL Nieuws this week.
On the television program WNL in April 2025, Jetten called Trump a “danger to international security and the global economy.” The D66 leader also refused to congratulate Trump on his re-election in November 2024, calling him a “misogynist,” and a “convicted criminal” who “openly flirts with dictators.”
Jetten, who is expected to become the prime minister on Monday, will not retract those statements. He told RTL that the Netherlands and the United States are friends. “Especially in a friendship, you are allowed to be critical of each other if you think things are unacceptable.”
Jetten said that he called Trump a “convicted criminal” based on a ruling by an American judge. “When we meet in person, there will be a lot to discuss.”
He will likely have to take a more diplomatic tone as Prime Minister, but he may not have to change his tune entirely. European sentiment has shifted from viewing the United States as an unflinching ally, towards clear concerns about the reliability of the U.S. as a partner under the Trump administration.
The coalition agreement for Jetten’s D66, VVD, and CDA minority government also adopts a more pro-EU tone. The new government wants the Nethelrands to “play a leading and constructive role” in moving towards “a stronger and more secure Europe.” The coalition agreement also mentions decreasing “dependencies” on the United States.
Trump is not the only world leader Jetten has criticized in recent years. He also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a war criminal” and accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip - something that the current caretaker government has not done. Caretaker Minister David van Weel repeatedly said that it was up to the International Court of Justice to decide whether Israel was committing genocide against the Palestinians.
Asked about this, Jetten told RTL that he wants Europe and the Netherlands to increase “pressure on the Israeli government” to “stop a great many abuses currently taking place in the West Bank and Gaza as quickly as possible.” He also said that he would not refuse to shake Netanyahu’s hand, because shaking hands is what you do when you meet someone.
The new government’s coalition agreement does not mention genocide. It states that the Netherlands is committed to a two-State solution.
