Trump has renewed his threats to leave the alliance, raising the stakes before the NATO leaders' summit in Turkey next month. But Rutte, who has become known as a Trump whisperer for his ability to charm the president, was looking to appease him Wednesday.

The NATO chief seeks to manage the U.S. president while appeasing other alliance members.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will check in face-to-face with President Donald Trump on Wednesday.