President Trump on Tuesday brought up the Nazi occupation of France during a renewed attack on French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting a European army might be necessary to defend against the United States, China and Russia.
“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?” the president tweeted.
“They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!” he added.
On Friday, Trump delivered a similar message moments after arriving in Paris for events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
“President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidizes greatly!” he tweeted.
The French leader earlier last week said Europe needed a real military to reduce reliance on Washington for defense. He also said Europe needs to protect itself against cyberthreats from the three countries.
When asked about Trump’s initial tweet, Macron told CNN that he prefers having direct talks rather than making his “diplomacy through tweets.”
He then went on to rebuke Trump’s nationalistic tendencies.
“Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism,” Macron said, speaking in French during a weekend address.
“Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. By saying ‘our interests first’ … we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what gives it grace, and what is essential: its moral values,” he said.
On Tuesday, a top adviser to Macron said the French position has been “clarified.”
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with French customs, said Macron explained the European army matter to Trump, stressing that France was not choosing between a European defense mechanism and multilateral organizations such as NATO.
Trump has repeatedly slammed US allies over NATO spending, demanding that all countries increase their defense spending to 2 percent of their gross domestic product.
The president also complained Tuesday about tariffs on American wines sold in France.
“On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S.,” he tweeted. “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!”
Nearly all US wine exports to major markets — including the European Union, which includes France — face tariffs, according to the Wine Institute, which represents California winemakers on matters of tax and trade.
Trump, who opened a winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2011, also took a shot at Macron’s low public 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 wrote.
“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!”
“MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!” he added, echoing his own campaign slogan.
Macron is hovering at about 30 percent in popularity polls, while the unemployment rate is just above 9 percent.
And in another tweet, Trump defended himself for skipping a trip to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery due to rain.
Critics have noted that US soldiers who fought during the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918 contended with far worse than some water.
“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,” he wrote.
“Speech next day at American Cemetary in pouring rain! Little reported-Fake News!” he added, though his address was widely covered.
In his speech at the Suresnes American Cemetery, Trump expressed jealousy that some World War II vets in the audience were seated under cover.
“You look so comfortable up there. Under shelter. As we’re getting drenched,” Trump told a veteran. “You’re really smart people.”
With Post Wires