Trump vs. Merkel, whose side are you on today?
President Trump criticized Germany for its long-standing trade surpluses and its reluctance to spend more on defense in the NATO alliance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel responded saying Europe can no longer rely on others and “must take our fate into our own hands.”
While I certainly agree that the U.S. needs to do more to encourage manufacturing here in the states, and the corporate tax rate is ridiculously high, in recent years Germany’s economy has been stagnant just like ours. In both cases, so-called free trade deals are largely responsible for this by forcing industrialized economies like the U.S. and Germany to compete with the low wages offered by economies like China and Mexico. Ultimately, industrialized countries will either be forced to start offering lower wages to compete, or continue to watch our economies remain stagnant. Christopher Linn
By all means, let’s copy Germany, particularly with regard to NATO spending. The target NATO has set is 2% of gross domestic product by 2024. The U.S. spends 3.6% and Germany just 1.2%. And Merkel has the nerve to call us unreliable. Dave McKenzie
What an embarrassment Trump is to the U.S. and the world. We need to work with all countries to fight terrorism and have fair trade laws. His tweets slamming Germany are an embarrassment to Americans. He has abdicated our position in the world to France. The new French president is aware of what is happening and looking forward to the future. Trump is trying, wrongly, to go back to the 1950s. Vicky Hanneman
The European Union is in turmoil. Germany is trying to be the supreme leader, having the other countries give up power, under the guise of economic trade strength. Mike Smits
Germany is the biggest threat to Russian influence in Eastern Europe. I think that’s why Russian President Vladimir Putin had Trump undermine Merkel. Andy Sandfoss
I believe the big deal is Trump vs. Merkel. The news media and the left seem to be enamored with Merkel and not fully understand the damage she has done to Europe. Gus Lueschen
Our followers shared their thoughts on the Editorial Board’s suggestion that the U.S. could learn from some of Germany’s economic policies.
What the U.S. can learn from Germany? Don’t listen to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on economic policies. @Tavis_XY That’s impossible because it would mean taking advantage of and ripping off a superpower that saved your country. @Xlib There’s nothing we can learn from Germany’s economic policies. This is just a globalist backlash from socialists. @BlaisTom Trump thinks he knows everything and won’t bother to study anything. He is pathetic. @HigginsSusan2 Germany’s economy is not the best! What is there to learn? @paila