A top German official said Monday that his country must re-evaluate its relationship with the U.S. after President Trump called the European Union a “foe” when it comes to international trade.
“We can no longer completely relay on the White House,” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, according to Reuters.
“To maintain our partnership with the USA we must readjust it. The first clear consequence can only be that we need to align ourselves even more closely in Europe,” he continued.
On the eve of Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, the U.S. leader named the EU when asked whom he considered to be his biggest foe globally.
“What they do to us on trade,” Trump said. “Now you wouldn’t think of the European Union, but they’re a foe. Russia is a foe in certain respects. China is a foe economically, certainly a foe.”
Trump argued last week that Germany weakens the NATO alliance by relying too heavily on Russian energy.
Maas said Europe must stand united despite Trump’s attacks.
“Europe must not let itself be divided however sharp the verbal attacks and absurd the tweets may be,” he said.
