Merkel refuted Trump's criticism of Europe in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where Trump's grandfather was born, stating that from Europe's perspective, Trump's mockery of Europe as "weak" and "decaying" is unacceptable.
"I think the US does not need to save European democracy. If it were necessary to save it, we would manage it ourselves." "In my discussions with Americans, I said, 'America First' is fine, but it's not in your interest alone."
Merkel said that the new US security strategy is not surprising, largely aligning with Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference in February. Merkel reiterated that Europe and Germany's security policies must be more independent from the US.
Previously, in an interview with Politico, Trump said, "Europe is confused, they pursue political correctness, which only makes them weak."
"They talk but do nothing. Wars just keep going on and on."
"I think if I weren't president, we might already have had a third world war."
"Europe is a different place; if it continues down this path, Europe will not... in my view, many of these countries will no longer be viable nations. Their immigration policies are a disaster."
"Most European countries... are in decline."
After enduring a round of harsh criticism from Trump, the EU might feel: who needs enemies when you have friends like this?
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851080581107847/
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