President Trump on Tuesday made light of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ claim from March 2016 that Trump represents an “evil” ideology, and used a joint appearance with Tsipras at the White House that he understands why some world leaders at first resisted his style.
“I wish I’d known that before my speech,” Trump quipped after a reporter asked Tsipras to revisit his claim about Trump.
Tsipras said he had cause for optimism about working with Trump after meeting with him earlier Tuesday at the White House.
“I want to confirm that the meeting that we had was very productive, and not a moment did I feel threatened at any time,” Tsipras said. “I saw that there is a very fertile outlook here in order to set aside any differences that we may have.”
During a speech in the spring of last year, Tsipras reportedly expressed dismay that Trump had emerged as the front-runner for the GOP presidential nominee.
“Tell me who of you would believe a few months ago that in the U.S. today, the front-runner on behalf of the Republicans for the nomination of the candidate president would be Mr. Trump?” Tsipras said at the time. “And, of course, what this nomination marks, the ideas it represents, the appeal it reaches and the threat to become even president — I hope we will not face this evil.”
Trump said he recognized that his “America First” approach to foreign relations may have ruffled feathers when he first took office.
“I can understand how certain countries and the leaders of certain countries may feel, but we’re just not going to allow the United States to be taken advantage of by other countries anymore,” Trump said. “A number of countries were a little bit nervous at the beginning, and I have very good relationships with the leaders of virtually every country I’ve dealt with.”
Trump jokes about Greece prime minister previously saying he presents an “evil” ideology pic.twitter.com/ZqQLZ5V2FT— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 17, 2017
