Trump Brings Up Germany’s Nazi Past to Chancellor’s Face When Asked About Defense Spending

President Donald Trump met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office on Thursday and took questions from the press. Trump at one point was asked about Germany’s defense spending and touched on a very sensitive subject in German society – the country’s Nazi past and aggression during World War II.

“Is Germany doing enough on defense, Mr. President? Is Germany do enough on defense spending?” asked a reporter, repeating himself as his accent seemed to confuse Trump a bit.

“Well I don’t know I mean I haven’t discussed it very much I know that you’re spending more money on defense now and quite a bit more money and that’s a positive thing I’m not sure the General MacArthur would have said it’s positive, you know,” Trump replied – referring to General Douglas MacArthur, the famed World War II commander.

“He wouldn’t like it, but I sort of think it’s good you understand what I mean, but he made a statement, ‘Never let Germany rearm.’ And I said, I always think about that when he says, sir, we’re spending more money on defense,” Trump continued, adding:

I say, ooh, is that a good thing or a bad thing? I think it’s a good think. But you know, at least to a certain point, there’ll be a point when I’ll say, please don’t arm anymore if you don’t mind. We’ll be watching him.

Notably, a quick search of Douglas McCarthur quote databases didn’t turn up any such direct quote from the general.

Watch the clip above via Fox News.