President Donald Trump left Twitter users indignant early Tuesday with a tweet taunting French President Emmanuel Macron about France’s role in World War I and World War II.
Trump doubled down on his weekend criticism of Macron’s call for a European army to protect the continent from “China, Russia and even the United States” with this confusing post:
Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
“But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two ― How did that work out for France?” Trump asked. “They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!”
One tweeter called Trump’s statement “jibberish.” Others called him out for mocking the leader of a historic American ally. Another suggested France was “doing the right thing” aligning itself with other European allies.
ICYMI, homefry, the entire world is referring to you as a modern day Hitler, so by your own analogy France is doing the right thing by aligning itself with other allies.
— Anonymous White House Official (@dvorakoelling) November 13, 2018
Just learned about the two world wars and can't wait to tell everyone.
— John Woodward (@kitizensane) November 13, 2018
America’s first ally: France. They are literally a major reason why we exist today. PS, you have absolutely no idea what it’s like to fight for existence, as they did in both world wars, you nationalist armchair quarterback.
— Stacey Ferguson (@HistryNerd) November 13, 2018
This is jibberish. US president — after spending weekend in France — is trying to hit back at France, probably for the French Army’s trolling him for skipping WWI memorial events. Throws in a NATO spending line. And the old “Speaking German” dig Otto used in Fish Called Wanda. https://t.co/eYdFsdWshX
— Kevin Baron (@DefenseBaron) November 13, 2018
The current leaders of the free world. #ResignTrump #ImpeachTrump #LockHimUp pic.twitter.com/eUZgv6ErtF
— Alison Chevalier🗽 (@A__Chevalier) November 13, 2018
when you didn't do the assigned reading and still need to write a response essay
— Matt Gallagher (@MattGallagher0) November 13, 2018
Yes. It was Germany in World War 1 and World War II. And for some reason Germany hasn't attacked anybody since. I wonder what the reason could be... Maybe, NATO? Something we pay for to keep stability in Europe thus saving us trillions. Read a book.
— Stephen La Follette (@njca) November 13, 2018
Timing-wise, Trump has chosen to attack Macron by name, while bringing up Germany and the First and Second World Wars, on the very day France marks the third anniversary of the Bataclan terrorist attacks. Not elegant. https://t.co/WHmziAbgxr
— Luke Baker (@BakerLuke) November 13, 2018
That’s not what Macron said and to raise WW1 and WW2 at this time is vile. He raised the prospect of a European Army because you have said that you’re not prepared for other countries to lean on American forces in the way they have done historically.
— David Spibey (@yebips) November 13, 2018
Hey #Trump...u don’t understand. This is #Macron’s way of saying that bc of YOU the US has failed to be the ally it has been for the past century. That YOU have failed them. That YOU are useless. That they not only now don’t respect YOU, uv caused them to lose respect for America
— Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) November 13, 2018
Do you have ANY advisors that could educate you on the basics?
— Matthew W. Parsons (@CajPaLa) November 13, 2018
It’s because you have alienated our allies and due to your actions and words and are now seeing you as a threat to world peace.
— Jesse Johannsen (@SteelSurgeon41) November 13, 2018
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