In response to Trump’s attack on Germany as a “captive of Russia”, German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalled the days when East Germany was under USSR control. She told reporters that “I have experienced myself how a part of Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union … I am very happy that today we are united in freedom, the Federal Republic of Germany. Because of that we can say that we can make our independent policies and make independent decisions. That is very good, especially for people in eastern Germany.”
Merkel also added that “Germany does a lot for NATO”, it’s the “second largest provider of troops, the largest part of our military capacity is offered to NATO”. And point to the fact that until today, Germany has a “strong engagement toward Afghanistan” and in that “we also defend the interests of the United States.”
Trump landed his usual accusation of allies in NATO summit in Brussels today. He said “we’re protecting Germany, we’re protecting France, we’re protecting all of these countries. And then numerous of the countries go out and make a pipeline deal with Russia where they’re paying billions of dollars into the coffers of Russia … I think that’s very inappropriate.” He added, “if you look at it, Germany is a captive of Russia. They got rid of their coal plants, they got rid of their nuclear, they’re getting so much of their oil and gas from Russia. I think it is something NATO has to look at.”
Also, Trump said “Germany is totally controlled by Russia because they are getting 60 to 70 percent of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline”. But according to a Reuters fact check on Germany energy use, “about 20 percent of which is accounted for by oil and gas imports from Russia.”
In some countries, it’s typical for sometime to affirm to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” when making commitment to tell the truth. Why? It’s because liars, especially those morally unfit ones, will usually tell 99% of truth. The 1% left is either hidden, twisted, or made up.
