Dutch divided on Royals' visit to U.S., whether or not to address "elephants in room"

Residents of the Netherlands are pretty divided on the Dutch Royals’ visit to the United States and president Donald Trump. While a majority support the trip, if only to maintain ties, the Dutch think that the King and Queen should avoid discussing politics. Prime Minister Rob Jetten should address the “elephants in the room,” but behind the scenes and not with Trump himself, RTL Nieuws found in a survey of its opinion panel.

51 percent of the Dutch think that King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima’s visit to Trump is a good idea, mainly to maintain ties with the United States. Some in this group think a visit at this time is important to discuss the Netherlands’ positions, and worry that cancelling such an invitation would be even more damaging.

38 percent are opposed to the visit, saying that the Trump administration does not deserve Dutch support and attention at this moment. This group raises concerns about the U.S.’s role in the deteriorating geopolitical situation, the state of democracy in the United States, and the actions of the immigration service ICE.

There will be many “elephants in the room” when the Dutch Royals meet with Trump, respondents expect. A majority hope that Willem-Alexander and Máxima will avoid these sensitive topics, pointing out that the Dutch Royal House has a ceremonial role, not a political one.

A small majority of 54 percent want Prime Minister Rob Jetten to broach these subjects, saying that the Netherlands cannot shy away from its own principles and the Prime Minister can use the visit to explain what the Netherlands stands for.

But here, too, respondents urge caution. They’d prefer if Jetten broaches sensitive topics in backrooms, behind the scenes, and doesn’t try to discuss them with Trump himself. Many referred to Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Respondents also pointed out that Trump’s term would eventually end, and the Netherlands would need some bridges unburned when that happens.

Dutch citizens’ divided sentiments on this visit to the U.S. reflect the unease also felt in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament. "I think it is not wise to cancel that appointment now," CDA leader Henri Bontenbal said last week. "But I also immediately admit that I feel discomfort about it." He said that geopolitics revolves around figuring out how to deal with world leaders who don’t share your views and values. “But the choice to ignore everyone who thinks differently is unwise."