U.S. ambassador pick to Netherlands calls for trade expansion, 5% defense spending

Joe Popolo, the businessman nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, told the U.S. Senate this week that his priorities will center on expanding trade, enhancing security ties, and boosting cooperation in technology with the Dutch government.

During a Senate confirmation hearing, Popolo named trade as his top priority. He said he would explore whether American producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) could increase their exports to the Netherlands. “The United States has a trade surplus with the Netherlands,” he noted, adding that this was not the case with most other European countries.

On defense, Popolo expressed support for Trump's position that NATO allies should increase their military spending. He said he would work to raise Dutch defense spending to 5 percent of its gross domestic product, far above the current NATO benchmark of 2 percent, which the Netherlands currently meets. “President Trump would like to see this increased to 5 percent,” Popolo said.

Popolo also addressed the potential deployment of military forces in Ukraine following any peace agreement with Russia. He indicated that this issue would be on the agenda for future discussions between the U.S. and the Netherlands.

In the field of technology, Popolo emphasized the importance of Dutch companies in global semiconductor production and described the Netherlands as a critical partner in cybersecurity efforts.

He referenced two upcoming events in the Netherlands that he said he looked forward to attending. The first is the commemoration later this month at the American military cemetery in Margraten. The second is the NATO summit scheduled to take place in The Hague in June. “I hope, with your support, to represent the United States at both,” Popolo told senators during the hearing.