President Donald Trump raised eyebrows Thursday with a remark to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during an Oval Office discussion about seeking to end Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Merz referenced the anniversary of D-Day, the Jun. 6, 1944, allied invasion of the beaches in Normandy, France, that marked a turning point in World War II and led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
“We all are looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terrible war to an end,” Merz said. “And may I remind you that we are having June 6th tomorrow. This is D-Day anniversary, when the Americans once ended a war in Europe. And I think this is in your hands, and specific, in ours.”
Trump interrupted and said: “That was not a pleasant day for you,” appearing to frame the Allied victory as just a loss for Germany, and not also as the end of dictator Adolf Hitler’s brutal, authoritarian regime.
“No, that was not pleasant,” Merz replied.
“This was not a great day,” Trump insisted.
Merz then gently pushed back: “In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship.”
“That’s true, that’s true,” admitted Trump
“And we know what we owe you,” said Merz. “This is the reason why I’m saying that America is again in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war. So let’s talk about what we can do jointly.”