Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2018
....On top of it all, Germany just started paying Russia, the country they want protection from, Billions of Dollars for their Energy needs coming out of a new pipeline from Russia. Not acceptable! All NATO Nations must meet their 2% commitment, and that must ultimately go to 4%!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2018
The Hill: Trump’s relationship with Merkel sinks even lower
President Trump’s relationship with German Chancellor Angela Merkel seemingly couldn’t get any colder.
The two have been at odds since before his presidency began.
Trump ripped Merkel during the campaign and didn't shake her hand the first time she visited Washington after his inauguration.
Merkel, who enjoyed a strong relationship with President Obama, has responded in kind. Her office released a now-famous photo after the G-7 summit in Canada earlier this year that appeared to depict her staring down Trump. For many, the photo highlighted Trump's isolation among Western leaders.
Read more ....
Update: German politicians rally round Angela Merkel after Donald Trump's NATO tirade (DW)
WNU Editor: There has been animosity between President Trump and Angela Merkel's government since the 2016 U.S. election campaign. This is nothing new .... Things Donald Trump said about Angela Merkel – and vice versa (DW).
