Germany’s foreign minister launched a scathing criticism of Donald Trump on Monday, claiming the U.S. President’s actions have “weakened” the West and accusing the U.S. government of standing “against the interests of the European Union.”
Just 24 hours after German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Europe could no longer completely rely on traditional allies such as the U.S. and Britain, the country’s top diplomat, Sigmar Gabriel, went a step further.
“Anyone who accelerates climate change by weakening environmental protection, who sells more weapons in conflict zones and who does not want to politically resolve religious conflicts is putting peace in Europe at risk,” Gabriel said.
“The short-sighted policies of the American government stand against the interests of the European Union. The West has become smaller, at least it has become weaker.”
Germany and other European nations were unimpressed with Trump’s performance at both the NATO and G7 summits last week, where he refused to endorse NATO’s collective defense principle or the Paris climate agreement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the third Berlin roundtable discussion on refugees and migration, Gabriel called on Europe to stand up to the current U.S. administration and not shy away from offering criticism.
“The Trump administration wants to terminate climate agreements wants to enforce military action in crisis regions and won’t allow people from certain religious circles to enter the U.S.,” Gabriel added.
“If the Europeans are not resolutely opposing to this right now, the migration flow to Europe will continue to grow. Those who do not oppose this U.S. policy are guilty.”
Read more: CNN
