Trump, Merkel try to sidestep differences in first meeting

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Though presenting a study in contrasts, President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a similar tack Friday in sidestepping differences after their first meeting at the White House. Trump asserted with a smile they had at least one thing in common: being wiretapped by the Obama administration.

Trump repeated his contention that former President Barack Obama may have tapped his phones in Trump Tower. He sought to turn the explosive charge into a light joke when asked about concerns raised by the British government that the White House is now citing a debunked claim that U.K. spies snooped on Trump.

“At least we have something in common, perhaps,” Trump said casually, referring to 2014 reports that the U.S. was monitoring Merkel’s cellphone conversations. The German chancellor maintained her composure during the awkward diplomatic moment.

On another subject, Trump also pushed back against the notion in Europe that his “America First” agenda means he’s an isolationist, responding firmly, “I don’t believe in an isolationist policy.” The president appeared to bristle at the suggestion from a German reporter, adding, “I don’t know what newspaper you’re reading, but I guess that would be another example of, as you say, fake news.”

Merkel often attempted to project a more conciliatory approach, saying she and Trump had not yet had much time to discuss economic issues. The two leaders tried to express their common bonds but showed minimal rapport in their first encounter, a departure from Merkel’s warm relations with Obama.