Trump Attacks Germany for Gas Pipeline Deal with Russia
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Allied Heads of State and Government to NATO Headquarters for the 2018 Brussels Summit on Wednesday (11 July 2018).
At a ceremony to mark the start of the meeting, Mr. Stoltenberg outlined NATO’s achievements in building peace and security and praised the professionalism and dedication of the Alliance’s armed forces.
During the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump attacked Germany for a Baltic Sea gas pipeline deal with Russia. He accused Germany of supporting Russia with billions of dollars for the deal.
“What good is NATO if Germany is paying Russia billions of dollars for gas and energy?” Trump tweeted.
What good is NATO if Germany is paying Russia billions of dollars for gas and energy? Why are there only 5 out of 29 countries that have met their commitment? The U.S. is paying for Europe’s protection, then loses billions on Trade. Must pay 2% of GDP IMMEDIATELY, not by 2025.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2018
Trump also lamented that only 5 out of 29 countries in NATO have met their financial commitment. “The U.S. is paying for Europe’s protection, then loses billions on trade,” Trump said, adding that all NATO allies must pay 2% of their GDP immediately, not by 2025.
Billions of additional dollars are being spent by NATO countries since my visit last year, at my request, but it isn’t nearly enough. U.S. spends too much. Europe’s borders are BAD! Pipeline dollars to Russia are not acceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2018
Trump also patted on his own back by claiming that billions of additional dollars are being spent by NATO countries since his visit last year, at his request, but it isn’t nearly enough.
“U.S. spends too much. Europe’s borders are bad. Pipeline dollars to Russia are not acceptable,” Trump reiterated.
Photo courtesy: NATO
