Biden awards Medal of Freedom to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

What they're saying: "You put your own plans on hold when the Russian war on Ukraine began," Biden said. "You didn't hesitate. Today, NATO is stronger, smarter and more energized than when you began.

• "The whole world will reap the rewards of your labor for years to come in the form of security, opportunity and greater freedom," Biden continued, characterizing Stoltenberg as "a man of integrity and intellectual rigor, calm temperament in a moment of crisis, a consummate diplomat who works with leaders across the political spectrum."

The big picture: The Norwegian diplomat has led the Western alliance for a decade. Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will take over the role in October.

• Since Stoltenberg assumed his position at the helm of the now 32-member alliance, he has overseen the accession of four new nations — Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden — and had his tenure extended several times.
• He has walked the delicate line of bolstering support for besieged Ukraine, which is not a member state, while President Zelensky advocates for his country to be welcomed into the alliance.

Between the lines: Biden's honor for Stoltenberg is a stark juxtaposition from former President Trump's repeated jabs at NATO, which have sowed anxiety among world leaders as a potential second Trump presidency looms.

• At a campaign rally earlier this year, Trump recalled telling the leader of an unnamed NATO member that he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to that nation if did not meet its defense spending obligations (members nations are expected to allocate 2% of their GDP to their military).
• While legislation passed last year limits Trump's ability to unilaterally pull the U.S. from NATO, he still could undermine the relationships protected by the treaty or attempt to cut U.S. contributions to the combined budget — an approach he attempted to take in 2019.

Go deeper: NATO plots Trump survival strategy on its 75th birthday

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from President Biden and further context.