Donald Trump recently stirred up some confusion during a meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The former president claimed his father was born in Germany, a statement that left many puzzled, as it’s well known that Fred Trump was actually born in the Bronx, New York.
This press appearance was planned in advance, primarily to address rising tensions in the Middle East following a joint military action by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
During his time with the media, Trump also voiced criticism toward the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Initially, Britain had declined the United States the use of its military bases for operations against Iran, a decision that was later reversed but only under terms specified for defensive purposes.
Despite this concession, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, comparing Starmer unfavorably to historical British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, saying, “We’re very surprised. This isn’t Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
Touching upon his personal connection to the UK, Trump highlighted his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who was born in Scotland. She immigrated to the United States during her youth.
He expressed his sentimentality by stating:
“They damage relationships. It’s a shame. And I love that country—I really do. My mother was born there.”
Turning toward the German chancellor, Trump reiterated his erroneous claim, stating: “My father was born there—he knows all about my father. My father was born there. Some places just give you a warm feeling automatically.”
It’s important to clarify that while Fred Trump was indeed born in the United States, Trump’s grandparents, Frederich Trump and Elizabeth Christ Trump, hailed from Germany before immigrating to America.
This wasn’t the first instance of such a mix-up. Back in 2019, during a CBS News briefing, Trump claimed: “My father is German—was German—born in a wonderful place in Germany, so I feel very connected to Germany.”
In other remarks from the same conference, Trump shared his intention to sever trade ties with Spain. This decision was in response to Spain not backing the U.S. military action in the Middle East.
He explained to the reporters, “Spain has been terrible. I told Scott [Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] to cut off all dealings with Spain.”
Reacting to the U.S.’s decision towards Iran, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made his stance clear, stating: “We will not be complicit in something harmful to the world and against our values and interests simply because we fear retaliation.”
