During his visit to The Hague for the NATO summit on June 25, 2025, President Donald Trump not only engaged in high-level diplomacy but also gave the American public a glimpse of the Dutch royal palace, Huis Ten Bosch. Opting to stay at this historic residence instead of a luxury hotel, Trump’s stay at the palace introduced many Americans to a significant symbol of Dutch heritage and royal tradition. Tucked away on the serene outskirts of the city, the palace served as the backdrop for diplomatic discussions, offering a unique setting for Trump’s interactions with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
The Dutch royal palace, Huis Ten Bosch, is a historic and picturesque residence located in The Hague, Netherlands. Originally built in the late 17th century, the palace has long served as a royal residence and is one of the primary homes of the Dutch royal family. Surrounded by expansive gardens, the palace sits on the edge of a quiet, leafy area in the city, providing a peaceful and elegant setting. Over the years, Huis Ten Bosch has been the site of numerous state occasions and royal gatherings, making it a symbol of Dutch heritage and monarchy.
Huis Ten Bosch, is home to various art collections, including a notable selection of Chinese art. One of the key pieces of Chinese art in the palace is a collection of Chinese porcelain, which is a prominent feature of Dutch royal collections from the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Dutch Golden Age, China was an important trading partner, and porcelain was highly prized by Dutch nobility. The Dutch East India Company facilitated trade with China, bringing back exquisite pieces of porcelain, ceramics, and other fine objects. These items were often displayed in royal palaces and estates as symbols of wealth and cultural exchange.
Huis Ten Bosch is not just a royal residence but also a significant cultural landIn the broader context of the summit, the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict loomed large, with Trump defending recent U.S. military actions in the region against media reports questioning their effectiveness. This summit reflected a more favorable relationship between Trump and NATO members, with much of the proceedings centered around his policies.
Unlike the tense meetings of his earlier presidency with his “America First” approach, , this summit was more aligned on securing defense spending increases from NATO allies. Trump achieved a significant victory with NATO members agreeing to commit 5% of GDP annually for defense spending by 2035. This was a key demand he had pushed for since 2017, aimed at reducing what he saw as NATO’s reliance on the U.S, and gradually gaining their self-defense.
During the summit, Trump’s approach appeared more conciliatory. He received praise from various world leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who even referred to him as a “daddy” figure. There was a noticeable shift in the way leaders engaged with Trump, using superlatives and flattery to secure the desirable cooperation from the America.