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Former US President Donald Trump once again spoke openly about his difficult relationship with Germany, this time not without his usual directness.
During the performance, as reported Spiegel, Trump mentioned that the Germans frankly did not like him, although he has German roots: "They did not like me, but I am of German descent," the politician said, recalling that his family comes from the city of Kallstadt in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
Trump also emphasized that Germany is more favorable to the Democrats, in particular to Barack Obama, which, in his opinion, is explained by one simple reason: "They robbed us," he said, adding that the Germans "ate our lunch." According to Trump, Germany has achieved its economic success largely thanks to the support of the United States.
Speaking about his former strained cooperation with former chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump recalled how he made demands for Germany's financial contributions to NATO. "They didn't like me because I told them: you have to pay," Trump said, adding that Merkel said it directly: "Angela, you have to pay." According to the explanation Spiegel, the statement referred to Germany's NATO defense spending commitments, which Trump said were not being met properly.
According to Trump, when he pressed Merkel, she replied that Germany was ready to meet its financial obligations ... until 2035. Trump's reaction was quite predictable: "They think we're stupid," he responded sharply.
These remarks once again emphasize Trump's long-standing criticism of European allies, and especially Germany. In his eyes, the United States has played the role of a generous partner for too long, while some allies have taken advantage of that generosity. Trump made it clear that he considers such behavior unacceptable and will continue his fight for the interests of the United States.
