Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten will attend a private dinner in Washington, D.C. with US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. According to the US ambassador to the Netherlands, the meeting highlights the strong relationship between the two countries.
The Dutch royal couple will visit the United States from 13 to 15 April for a working visit. During their stay, they will spend the night at the White House.
President Trump and his wife previously stayed with the royal couple during the NATO summit in the Netherlands last year. “That is where they built a strong connection. It is now our turn to return the gesture,” said US ambassador Joseph Popolo in a television interview.
Popolo said Jetten would be “very welcome” at the dinner, despite comments he made about Trump during the 2024 election campaign. “The president looks ahead. He wants to move the relationship with the Netherlands forward and is mainly interested in what people can contribute,” he said.
The ambassador also addressed concerns about Dutch citizens travelling to the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in cities including Dallas, Houston and Kansas City. Some Dutch travellers fear they may be denied entry because of past criticism of Trump on social media. Popolo said there is no reason for concern and that Dutch citizens are welcome in the country.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
