The President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, came together to discuss the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine this Thursday. However, the conversation took an awkward turn when Trump mentioned how he may not see the anniversary of D-Day as a pleasant day. If you are someone who wants to know what German Chancellor Friedrich Merz replied to Trump’s comment, the following article is for you. It includes all the information you need to know about what happened in the meeting.
What Led To Trump Making The Awkward D-Day Comment?
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, in his meeting with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was discussing the death toll from Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conflict between the two countries is considered the deadliest in Europe after World War II. Friedrich Merz mentioned that he wanted to discuss instruments that can end the war, and how tomorrow marked the 81st anniversary of Operation Overlord. The operation began with American, British, Canadian, and Free French troops storming the beaches of Normandy. This invasion marked the beginning of the Nazi downfall. When Merz mentioned D-Day, Trump commented on how it’s not a pleasant day for him.
How Did Friedrich Merz Reply To Trump’s D-Day Comment?
Trump’s comment led to a bit of an awkward moment between the country representatives, but Friedrich Merz’s graceful reply to the President saved the situation. He mentioned how in the long run US’s invasion resulted in his country’s liberation from the Nazi dictatorship. Merz also accepted that Germany knows what the country owes to the USA and mentioned that the United States again has an opportunity to end the Russia-Ukraine war by supporting the defense efforts of UkraineHe also mentioned that he’d like to discuss what the two countries can do together and Germany is ready to do what it can.
Trump’s Comments On Germany’s Defense Spending
US President Donald Trump also cracked a joke about how Merz is trying to push past Germany’s years-long pacifism to help bolster Ukraine’s defense, which will help them start their own country’s arms industry. He also asked whether Germany is standing by their commitment to NATO, spending a set percentage of their GDP on defense. He mentioned that he knows Germany is spending more money on defense and called the development positive. However, he also mentioned Gen. Douglas MacArthur’ famous statement where he stated one should never let Germany rearm and how he wouldn’t like Germany’s current development. Trump also mentioned it is good that they are spending on defense, but only to a certain point.
Trump Joked About Skepticism Regarding Germany’s Rearmament
After he mentioned Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s statement, Trump also joked that the United States is going to keep a skeptical watch on Germany’s rearmament. He also reversed his stand on the tens of thousands of troops that were based in Germany. He was asked whether he would continue to base troops in Merz’s country. Trump replied he’d talk about this, but if they would like them to have them there, then yes. He also mentioned that the presence of their troops was great for Germany’s economy as well. This is because they are pretty highly paid and spend a lot of money.
