Despite the initial estimates that German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz has managed to avoid the “ambassador of Trump”, the US president’s familiar tactic to strengthen his individual meetings with foreign leaders at the Oval Office, Mertz finally did not escape.

During their conversation at the Oval Office, and while discussing the war in Ukraine, Mertz reminded Trump that on Friday, June 6, they were 81 years after a Normandy landing, which paved Hitler’s liberation of Europe.

“I came here, Mr President, to discuss how we can help end the war. We are all looking for ways and tools to stop this terrorist conflict. And let me remind you that tomorrow is June 6th. It is the anniversary of D-day when the Americans ended another war in Europe, “Mertz said.

At that moment, Trump intervened, making an ironic comment to Mertz: “It wasn’t a very pleasant day for you.”

Mertz began to answer that it was not really a “pleasant day”, telling the US president: “Long -term, Mr President, this was the liberation of my country from the Nazi dictatorship.”

The Chancellor went on to say that the Germans know what they owe to the United States. “This is the reason I say that America is again in a very strong position to do something and stop this war. So let’s talk about what we can do together and we are ready to contribute wherever we can, “Merz stressed.

This embarrassing episode was not the first time Trump made controversial historical reports about the Nazi period or post -war German policy, and shortly thereafter attempted to joke with Merz’s attempt to re -establish its post -war German neutral stance.

Asked if Germany is sufficiently responding to its commitments to NATO, spending a certain percentage of its GDP on defense needs, Donald Trump replied that he knows that Germany “spends more money on defense, and even more”.

However, he then made a reference to American General Douglas McCarthar, saying: “I am not sure that General McCarthar would see it as a positive thing.

You know, he wouldn’t like it. But in a way, it looks good to me. “

Continuing Trump, he hastened to refer to General McCartur’s views more extensively.

“General McCarthur had said,” Never allow Germany to be re -facing. ” And I always think about that. When they tell me, ‘Mr President, do we spend more on defense’, I wonder, ‘Is that good or bad?’ I think it’s good. But you know, to a point. The time will come to say: “Please, do not continue the equipment.”

Subsequently, rather joking, he added that the US would monitor Germany’s “skepticism” efforts.

In a seemingly reversal of the attitude he had adopted in his first term, Trump said the US would maintain the tens of thousands of troops parked in Germany – where some of the largest US bases in Europe are located.

Asked if the US will continue to park troops in Germany, he replied: “The answer is yes. We will discuss it, but if they want to have them there, then yes. “