THE HAGUE (Azat TV) – Rob Jetten, who made history on Monday, February 23, 2026, as the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ prime minister, has been met with a wave of congratulations from world leaders. However, the notable silence from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Jetten’s appointment has drawn significant international attention, highlighting a potential diplomatic ripple in the wake of the Dutch leader’s past criticisms of Trump’s policies.
Jetten, 38, officially assumed office after his social-liberal party, Democrats 66, successfully forged a minority coalition government with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. His ascension to the premiership, following his party’s strong performance in October’s general election, was widely praised by both the international community and LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide.
Global Leaders Extend Congratulations to Dutch PM Rob Jetten
Among the prominent figures extending their felicitations was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey his wishes. “Congratulations, Mr Rob Jetten, on assuming office as Prime Minister of the Netherlands,” Modi wrote, emphasizing the extensive relationship between India and the Netherlands and expressing his anticipation of close collaboration to enhance bilateral ties. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this sentiment, posting on X, “Congratulations to Rob Jetten on being sworn in as Prime Minister.” Albanese underscored the shared values between Australia and the Netherlands, looking forward to deepening cooperation to uphold peace, security, and prosperity.
French President Emmanuel Macron also offered his “Heartfelt congratulations” to Jetten in Dutch via X, expressing his eagerness to work together on fostering a more independent, united, and democratic Europe, and to strengthen relations between France and the Netherlands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged directly with Prime Minister Jetten, using the occasion of his first day in office to thank the Netherlands for its ongoing support of Ukraine.
Adding to the chorus of international well-wishes, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Rob Jetten on taking his constitutional oath and forming the new Dutch government, as reported by Saudi Gazette.
Donald Trump’s Silence on Rob Jetten’s Appointment
Despite the widespread international recognition, Donald Trump has remained conspicuously silent, refraining from publicly congratulating Prime Minister Jetten. This diplomatic omission is particularly scrutinized given Jetten’s previous public criticisms of the former U.S. president. Jetten had previously voiced concerns over Trump’s territorial ambitions regarding Greenland and commented on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, issues where Trump had sought to intervene or held differing views.
In a past statement to The Associated Press, Jetten articulated his perspective on international relations, remarking, “We can continue talking and complaining about the US, but what we should do instead is make sure that European cooperation is strengthened, so that we can guarantee security and prosperity for our own citizens.” He also indicated a commitment to advancing connections with Washington, particularly on matters of security, the war in Ukraine, and economic linkages between the Dutch and American economies.
A New Phase for the Netherlands Under Jetten
In his inaugural announcement as prime minister, Jetten marked the significant political milestone on social media, declaring, “From now on, a new phase begins.” This statement signals his intent to lead the Netherlands into a new era, characterized by his party’s social-liberal agenda and a commitment to international cooperation. The formation of a minority government, while challenging, reflects a complex political landscape in the Netherlands and Jetten’s ability to forge agreements across party lines.
The distinct lack of acknowledgement from Donald Trump, contrasting sharply with the broad international support, underscores the geopolitical nuances and personal dynamics that continue to influence global diplomacy, particularly in the context of leaders who have openly diverging views on critical international issues.