 Stoltenberg lauded Rutter as a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus builder. The seasoned Dutch politician is seen as a safe pair of hands capable of steering NATO through difficult times. The 57-year-old faces the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House. The former US president has long criticised the alliance's funding. Rutter will also have to grapple with the ongoing threat to Europe from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.