By Aaron Miller
President Trump vowed to end German export of cars to the U.S at a NATO summit in Brussels today, Thursday. German newspaper, Der Spiegel stated.
The outspoken American president who is critical about Germany’s trade imbalance with the U.S is reported to have said : ”The Germans are bad, very bad…Look at the millions of cars they sell in the U.S. We will stop this. Trump’s comments are consistent with sentiments he has previously made about promoting mainly American products in America. The president has also criticized German automakers BMW, Dimler and VW for its failure in building enough American automobiles. Trump’s comments is not helpful to relations between America and Germany, but the billionaire businessman does not appear bothered about views held by anybody or country that opposes his own. Cars comprise one of Germany’s highest exports, with over 10% of its export revenues coming through cr sales abroad- the U.S being it’s highest buyer.
His offensive comments came after video was released showing him shove the prime minister of Montenegro, Dusko Markovic in order to position himself in front of the attending world leaders there. Markovic composed himself well , giving Trump a pat on the back, but must have found the brief scene both embarrassing and disturbing. In a day full of challenges between world leaders, UK prime minister, Theresa May, had already promised to make it clear to Mr.Trump that intelligence shared between the U.K and the U.S ”must remain secure”. Such expectations are normal, but public disclosure of disappointments like these are probably not necessary. Trump himself promised to get to the bottom of of damaging Manchester intelligence leaks to American media outlets. Britain had initially suspended its team arrangements with the U.S, publication by the Newyork Times of secret photographs of remnants of the Manchester bomber’s explosive device. The images shared by British authorities showed a detonator alongside shrapnel that included nuts and screws and the shredded remains of of a blue backpack. Trump described the leaks as ”deeply troubling” and suggested that the culprit be prosecuted to ”the fullest extent of the law”.
Trump also asserted his objection to the fact that many NATO countries- 23 of the 28- are still not paying their full share of defense, stating that this was not fair. However, what stand out in a day full of discomfort among leaders was his direct and damning comments about the Germans in relation to cars, and his shoving of the Markovic-Montenegro’s prime minister. Donald still comes up Trump’s as the world’s most powerful leader, whose words and actions cause many leaders to tremble even if they don’t admit it. Many of them would secretly want to see the back of him. One certainty is that Trump has no fear, speaks his mind, and gives many goose bumps.