US presidential candidate Donald Trump's statements about support in NATO are met with sharp criticism in Germany. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: "These statements are irresponsible and even play into Russia's hands" Several foreign policy experts expressed alarm.
The federal government made it clear that it is continuing to build on a functioning alliance. Trump said at a campaign event in the state of South Carolina that the "president of a great country" had once asked him whether the US would protect the country from Russia if it did not pay for defense spending.