A senior administration official said that "the intent was to deliver a direct message, which he's done before. He's been direct with them in rallies in speeches. He wanted to give the same message that he's been giving when NATO leaders are present or are not present," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to expand on Trump's remarks. "It's the same message he gave on the campaign trail, it's the same message he gives to the American people, and it's the same message he gives to leaders one on one."