Trump says Berlin must do more for NATO

Donald Trump has slammed Berlin over its contribution to NATO and criticized the trade deficit between the two countries, after the German foreign minister claimed the US president's current policy is weakening the West and putting Europe's future at risk.

Berlin and Washington have traded barbs over numerous aspects of their relationship in the past few days.

On Tuesday, Trump responded to a barrage of recent statements from Berlin, saying in a tweet: "We have a massive trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay far less than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for US. This will change."

Trump believes that European powers owe much to the US, particularly in the areas of defense and trade. During his election campaign, he consistently said Washington's allies must shoulder the burden and financially support the US military presence in the region....