Washington/Berlin: Relations between the US and Germany veered further toward crisis on Tuesday as President Donald Trump complained about the US trade deficit with Germany and said it must pay more for the Nato military alliance.
Meanwhile, in Berlin German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe must step up as a player in world affairs, signalling that the EU needs to take control of its destiny in the era of Mr Trump. The US President tweeted: “We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for US This will change.”
On Sunday, Ms Merkel had made waves when she told a rally that the US and Britain may no longer be completely reliable partners. “Transatlantic ties are of paramount importance to us... but the current situation gives more reasons for... us to take our destiny in our own hands,” she said on Tuesday, stressing “Europe must become a player active in international affairs.”
