President Trump slammed French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday over NATO burden sharing and trade relationships, while mocking the long-time ally for being occupied during the World Wars.
Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
Mr. Trump also accused France of slapping tariffs on American wine.
On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S. The problem is that France makes it very hard for the U.S. to sell its wines into France, and charges big Tariffs, whereas the U.S. makes it easy for French wines, and charges very small Tariffs. Not fair, must change!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
On Friday, Mr. Macron said France needed an army to defend itself from potential foes, a list that included China, Russia, and the U.S. He also spoke against nationalism.
Mr. Trump claimed Mr. Macron was using the call for arms to distract from a low approval rating.
The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%. He was just trying to get onto another subject. By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!……..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
……MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
The NATO issue opened and closed the president’s weekend trip to France, where he met with world leaders gathering to pay their respects to those who fought in World War I.
He singled out Mr. Macron as he arrived on Friday, but he spoke generally about trade allies by Monday, accusing them of taking advantage of the U.S.
“It is time that these very rich countries either pay the United States for its great military protection, or protect themselves…and Trade must be made FREE and FAIR!” he tweeted Monday.
Mr. Trump also pushed back against criticism he received for not attending the memorial service with other world leaders.
By the way, when the helicopter couldn’t fly to the first cemetery in France because of almost zero visibility, I suggested driving. Secret Service said NO, too far from airport & big Paris shutdown. Speech next day at American Cemetary in pouring rain! Little reported-Fake News!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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