The White House released a video clip featuring former President Trump set to Usher’s 2010 track “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).” The video came after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte jokingly referred to Trump as “Daddy” during diplomatic talks.
Lighthearted Video With Serious Undertones
The one-minute montage, shared via the official White House X account, opens with Trump stepping off Air Force One. It then transitions to summit footage in The Hague, accompanied by the lyrics, “Hey, hey, hey Daddy.” The playful tone stood in contrast to the weighty policy topics Trump addressed at the NATO meeting.
Rutte had said during a summit press conference, “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get (them) to stop.” When asked about the nickname, Trump responded with a grin: “He did it very affectionately, ‘Daddy, you’re my Daddy.’”
Mixed Public Reaction
The release of the video sparked a viral wave on social media. Supporters applauded the White House for embracing a meme-ready identity. Some called it “peak internet.” Others found the pairing of a sexually suggestive R&B song with political footage “weirdly hilarious” or even unsettling. Critics described it as “cringe-worthy” and questioned whether Usher had approved its use.
Though fans joked, “Usher needs to sue,” the video remains online as of June 26, 2025, with no public objection from the artist’s team.
Brand Messaging or Diplomatic Posturing?
Analysts say the clip may serve as a calculated effort to recast Trump as a decisive global leader. As one report noted, the nickname “Daddy” plays into his image as a commanding figure on the international stage.
Yet some commentators consider the tone tone-deaf. One op-ed urged: “An official product of the WH communications office” that felt too slick, flippant, or even troubling.
Rutte Clarifies, Trump Embraces
Rutte quickly walked back his “Daddy” remark. He explained that it was a metaphor, not a direct reference to Trump’s persona. He wanted to highlight Europe’s occasional dependence on U.S. leadership. “I didn’t call [Trump] daddy… I said it sounds a little bit like a small child asking his daddy,” Rutte clarified.
Trump, for his part, leaned into the moment. He remarked in a press conference, “He did it very affectionately… If he doesn’t [like it], I’ll let you know and hit him hard.”