Former U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered outrage across Europe and beyond after making a bold and controversial claim about the outcome of World War II.
While speaking to U.S. troops stationed in Qatar on May 15, Trump criticized European countries for commemorating Victory in Europe Day (May 8)—a date marking the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
According to Trump, too many countries are celebrating a victory that was ultimately delivered by the United States.
“Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everyone but us,” he said. “We’re the ones that won the war. Without us, they’re speaking German—and maybe a little Japanese too.”
His comments came during an impromptu speech in which he claimed that France, Russia, and other nations were too eager to celebrate WWII victories while ignoring America’s central role.
A Dig at France
Trump didn’t stop there. He went on to mock French President Emmanuel Macron, even impersonating his accent while questioning France’s role in the Allied victory:
