At G20 POTUS met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
POTUS met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He called the German “a great friend of mine,” saying of the US and Germany that “trade has
reached a high level” but would go higher still.
“She’s a fantastic person, a fantastic woman and I’m glad to have her as a friend,” he said.
Merkel thanked Trump and noted that “German companies are investing a lot” in the US.
Trump then referred to the Democratic presidential debate underway “I just passed a television set,” he said and “saw that maximum health
care was given to 100% of the illegal immigrants coming into our country by the Democrats.” He asserted that the Democrats had not given similar attention to American citizens.
“You know they have a debate going on,” Trump said, noting that the first one “wasn’t very exciting.” Merkel remained studiously neutral during this commentary, not even making eye contact with Trump.
Asked about German defense spending, a subject Trump has often complained about, he replied: “The chancellor is a great friend of mine.”
Merkel has been the subject of scrutiny about her health after a pair of recent episodes in which she was seen shaking. To your pooler’s eye, Merkel, whose hands were clasped between her knees, appeared her normal self.
Also, a side note: Incoming White House press secretary and communications director Stephanie Grisham was present for the meeting.
She has attended several of today’s official meetings. Pool will seek an exact tally.