Lost in Translation: My Unlikely Struggle to Win Over the Germans
- Donald Trump, the former US President, has ancestral roots in Kallstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
- During a campaign event in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Trump spoke about his difficult relationship with Germany.
- In contrast, Trump noted that the Germans had a more favorable view of his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.
Donald Trump’s Complicated Relationship with Germany
Donald Trump, the former US President, has ancestral roots in Kallstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. However, his relationship with the country has been strained. Germany has been a recurring theme in his campaign speeches, including a recent appearance in Pennsylvania.
During a campaign event in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Trump spoke about his difficult relationship with Germany. “They didn’t love me, and I have roots there,” said the Republican presidential candidate. Trump’s paternal ancestors hail from Kallstadt in Rhineland-Palatinate.
In contrast, Trump noted that the Germans had a more favorable view of his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama. “Do you know why? Because they are eating our dinner,” Trump said, suggesting that Germany’s success comes at the expense of the United States.
Trump also spoke about his interactions with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). “They didn’t love me because I said: You have to pay. You have to pay, I told Angela. Angela, you didn’t pay.” Trump was likely referring to Germany’s defense spending and NATO commitments. Mimicking a German accent, Trump quoted Merkel as saying that Germany would pay until 2035. “They think we’re stupid people,” Trump added.