NATO Chief Rutte sparked controversy by saying, “We really should stop making Putin too powerful, he’s the Governor of Texas, not more.” The remark quickly drew fierce backlash. Renowned Historian Gilbert Doctorow slammed Rutte’s comment, saying, “Mr. Rutte needs a padded cell... He’s spreading insanity.” The exchange highlights rising tensions and sharp rhetoric surrounding Putin’s role on the world stage, with critics accusing NATO leadership of underestimating the complexity of the situation.