President Donald Trump has asked if there is anything better than celebrating the end of a war as world leaders gather to honour the anniversary of the end of World War One.
President Trump tweeted that he is in Paris to join others in marking 100 years since the end of the Great War in which millions were killed.
The president asked on Twitter: “Is there anything better to celebrate than the end of a war, in particular that one, which was one of the bloodiest and worst of all time?”
President Trump wasted no time taking a poke at his French host on Friday as he arrived in Paris.
He tweeted that French President Emmanuel Macron “has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of Nato, which the US subsidises greatly!”
It was a clear sign that the “America first” president was ready to chart his own course yet again as world leaders gathered to remember the coalition that brought an end to the first global war.
President Trump’s visit comes on the heels of midterm elections in which Americans delivered a split referendum on his presidency, keeping the Senate in his party’s control but ceding the House to opposition Democrats.
Before Sunday’s commemorations get under way, President Trump planned to meet Mr Macron for talks on topics expected to include European security, Syria and Iran.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will also visit the American cemetery in Belleau to pay their respects to US soldiers who died on French soil during the war.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel