Why many Europeans love Obama and loathe Trump
Barack Obama appeared in Berlin with Angela Merkel and, making an apparent jab at Donald Trump, said, 'We can't hide behind a wall.' Elizabeth Keatinge (@elizkeatinge) has more. Buzz60
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, left, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to unveil artifacts from the World Trade Center and Berlin Wall for the new NATO headquarters, May 25, 2017, in Brussels.(Photo: Evan Vucci, AP)
Barack Obama and Donald Trump appeared in public at the same time in Europe Thursday, but reactions could not have been starker.
The former presidentreceived a rock-star welcome in Berlin, while his successor received looks of bewilderment from European leaders in Brussels.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former president Barack Obama arrive for a discussion on democracy at Church Congress on May 25, 2017 in Berlin, Germany.(Photo: Steffi Loos, Getty Images)
Here are somereasons why so many Europeans love Obama and loathe Trump.
NATO
Trump chastised his colleagues for not contributing enough to their collective defense. "NATO members must finally contribute their fair share and meet their financial obligations, Trump said. "Twenty-threeof 28 nations in the alliance are not paying what they should be paying for their defense. This is very unfair to the taxpayers of the USA.
During the campaign, Trump calledNATO obsolete and that before sending U.S. troops to defend Europe, he would check whether members had met their defense spending obligations. He later backtracked on both issuesand has promised to increase the U.S. military presence in Europe.
On Thursday, Trumpnoted"the commitments that bind us together as one" and promised to "never forsake the friends who stood by our side."
Obama, who reduced the U.S. military presence in Europe before increasing it after Russia's aggression towardUkraine, never raised any doubts about the U.S. commitment to the allianceand had a more cooperative approach withEuropean leaders.
A young spectator takes a picture, alongside another holding a sign reading 'Obama can we keep you?', during a conversation event with former president Barack Obama on the topic of 'Being Involved in Democracy: Taking on Responsibility Locally and Globally' at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, on May 25, 2017.(Photo: Clemens Bilan, EPA)
EUROPEAN UNION
Trump angered European leaders in January, when he told British Prime Minister Theresa May that Brexit, the British exit from the European Union,is going to be a wonderful thing for your country. The move, approved in a referendum in June 2016,would help Britain re-establish its own identity, control immigration and engage in trade withwhoever it wants, Trump said.
The reaction was harsh. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in March he would campaign for the secession of U.S. states, such as Ohio and Texas, if the U.S. president continued with such talk.
On Thursday, Trump seemed to have changed his tune. He privatelytold European leaders he is worriedU.S. jobs could be lost because of Brexit, according to local media reports.
Pro-EU Obama warned before the historic votethat if it went forward the U.K. is going to be in the back of the queue on trade deals with the U.S. The U.K. is at its best when its helping to lead a strong European Union, Obamasaid lastApril.
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, speaks to British Prime Minister Theresa May during a working dinner meeting at the NATO headquarters during a NATO summit of heads of state and government in Brussels on May 25, 2017.(Photo: Matt Dunham, AP)
INTELLIGENCE LEAKS
May on Thursday complained to Trump about crime scene photosfrom Monday's suicide bombing in Manchester, England, which were shared with intelligence agencies in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, being leaked to The New York Times. It was the latest controversy involving intelligence leaks during Trump's presidency.
The White House said the alleged leaks are deeply troubling and promiseditwill get to the bottom of this,and if appropriate, the culprit should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Obama also angered his European counterparts, when WikiLeaks in 2013 published documents provided by National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowdenthat showed the U.S. intelligence agency had spied on foreign leaders. TheyincludedGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel, who hosted Obama's visit on Thursday.Obamasmoothed things over with his European counterparts, implementing changeshe said would end U.S. spying on leaders of allies and close friends.
IMMIGRATION
Trump has criticized EU immigration policies, which the president says welcome too many Muslim refugeeswho could pose a terror threat.
In 2016, Trump told Fox Business Network: You go to Brussels I was in Brussels a long time ago, 20 years ago, so beautiful, everything is so beautiful.Its like living in a hellhole right now."
Obama sent a clear message Thursday to Trumpabout his promise to build a wall along the Mexican border. "In this new world we live in, we cant isolate ourselves we cant hide behind a wall," Obama said.
Immigration is a divisive issue in Europe that helped Brexit pass and has fueled insurgent political campaigns across the continent. However, Frenchanti-immigrationcandidate Marine Le Pen, who Trump supported, was soundly defeated for president this month.And Merkel appears to be in a strong position for re-election inSeptember, even though she welcomed 1million migrants to Germany.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Trump has called global warming a "hoax,"while Obama is a strong proponent of environmental measures to combat climate change. That is in line with European thinking on the issue.
French President Emmanuel Macron onThursday urged Trump avoid hasty decisions on a global Paris climate treaty signed by Obama in 2016.The current president said as a candidate he would abandonthe landmark pact.
Pope Francis, another leading voice for environmental concerns,on Wednesday urged Trump to change his stance on the issue, giving him as a gift a copy of his encyclical on climate change.
Read more:
Trump to Pope Francis at the Vatican: 'We can use peace'
Trump, European Union leaders remain at odds over Russia
At NATO, Trump does not pledge U.S. commitment to collective defense
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Why many Europeans love Obama and loathe Trump
- Obama and Bush Unite in Rare Move Against Trump - The Daily Beast - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Bush, Obama and Bono Commend USAID Staff Members on Their Last Day - The New York Times - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Lucas: Obama and the Democrats paved the way for Irans nuclear program - Boston Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Obama, Bush decry travesty of Trumps gutting of USAID on its last day - Al Jazeera - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Obama, Bush criticize Trump administration for gutting USAID - Washington Examiner - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 10 Years Later: Looking Back On a Week That Shaped Our Country - Barack Obama Medium - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Bush, Obama and Bono bid farewell to USAID as 14m more deaths forecast without it - The Independent - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day - The Week - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- House Republicans call for investigation into Obama-appointed judge in Trump funding case - AOL.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Donald Trump's 'colossal mistake' BLASTED by Obama and Bush during surprise reunion that left Bono in tears - Daily Mail - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Physician Tina Shah, who served in Obama and Biden administrations, will challenge Kean in NJ-7 - New Jersey Globe - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama shares the three words her dying mother said that changed her outlook on life - TheGrio - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama's podcast puts her in limelight in new Trump era, but she's not coming to Democrats' rescue - Fox News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Bush and Obama fault Trumps gutting of USAID on agencys last day - MSN - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Don Jr.: "Affirmative Action" is why Obama won Nobel, not Trump - CNN - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- A former Obama speechwriter learned to surf with his Joe Rogan-loving brother-in-law. Heres what happened next. - Inquirer.com - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The key difference between Obama and Trump on immigration - Orange County Register - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama shares 4 words her mom said at the end of her life that stuck with her - NPR - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Discusses Parental Pain After Malia Changes Her Last Name to Push Away From Her Parents - Yahoo - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Emotionally Shares Impact of 3 Words from Her Dying Mother - MSN - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Reveals the Four Dying Words from Her Mother That Changed the Way She Lives Her Life - parade.com - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals why shes rarely seen with Barack - Yahoo - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- See the photos of Barack Obama School for Social Justice graduation ceremony - Lohud - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Viral video: Michelle Obama tears up while remembering her mother, reveals her take on death | Watch - Mint - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says Barack Obama divorce rumor reactions are like 'the apocalypse' - USA Today - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- This week in whoppers: Former aide's 'anti-war' Obama fantasy, Nina Turner's ignorance on Iran's abuse of women and more - New York Post - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Obama and Biden sent American taxpayers' money to Iran...: White House reveals - WION - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Trump Jr Says Obama Getting Nobel Prize Over Father Is 'Affirmative Action' - Newsweek - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Gets Emotional Talking About the 3 Powerful Words Her Mom Said While Dying - People.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Ex-Obama aide says its insane to think Cuomo is best choice for New York mayor as it happened - The Guardian - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- We are 60: Michelle on divorce rumors, explains why she's rarely seen with Barack Obama - Times of India - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Ex-Obama aide: Insane to think Cuomo better than democratic socialist - The Hill - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors and why shes rarely seen with Barack: Were 60, yall - New York Post - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support naming public places after Obama, Harvey Milk, and Malcolm X - YouGov - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Trump Jr. says Barack Obama getting Nobel Peace Prize over his father is affirmative action - TheGrio - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama addresses rumors of the end of our marriage - The Hill - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reacts to divorce rumours: Were 60, yall! - The Indian Express - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama mocks rumors that her marriage is in trouble - Fox News - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Addresses Divorce Rumors and Why Shes Rarely Seen with Husband Barack - instyle.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama addresses the Barack Obama divorce rumors with humor - HOLA - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Megyn Kelly parodies Michelle Obama as she hits out at former first lady for 'never having a positive word to say' - Daily Mail - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Explains Her Rare Public Outings With Barack - The Daily Beast - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says Barack Obama divorce rumor reactions are like 'the apocalypse' - MSN - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals why shes rarely seen with Barack - The Telegraph - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Just Revealed Why She's Glad She Didn't Have Boys, And Her Reason Makes Sooo Much Sense - BuzzFeed - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama addresses lack of public appearances with husband Barack following divorce rumors - The Independent - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Obama CBA Coalition adds the $9B Illinois quantum park to its fight for environmental and housing justice - The TRiiBE - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says a line her mom used to repeat about parenting always stuck with her - Business Insider - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Rewind: Did Trump claim in 2011 that Obama would start war with Iran to get elected? - Snopes.com - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Obama will start a war with Iran to win re-election: Amid US strikes on Tehran, Donald Trumps old twe - Times of India - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Did Netanyahu coerce Trump into attacking Iran? No but he tried with Obama - The Forward - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Why Michelle Obama Is "So Glad" She Didn't Have a Son With Husband Barack Obama - Marie Claire - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Froma Harrop: Barack Obama speaks, and it's the truth - Grand Forks Herald - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama: Im glad I dont have a son he would have turned out like my husband - The Telegraph - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- How does an Obama speechwriter befriend a Joe Rogan fan? Via surfing - The Guardian - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Jokes She's 'Glad' She Never Had a Boy Because He 'Would've Been a Barack': 'Would've Felt for Him' - People.com - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Why Michelle Obama Didn't Want to Have A Boy With Husband Barack - parade.com - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Why Michelle Obama Is Glad She Didnt Have a Son With Husband Barack Obama - E! Online - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says she's 'so glad' she never had a son, says he 'would have been a Barack Obama' - Fox News - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Spotted On Rare Trip With Daughters Malia and Sasha - parade.com - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Why Is a Former Obama Official Attacking the Left on Climate? - The American Prospect - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Barack Obama warns that US is dangerously close to becoming an autocracy - The Independent - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says she is 'glad' she never had a son because he would have turned out like Obama - as marriage rumours refuse to go away - Daily Mail - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says she's thankful she didn't have a son because he would have been like Barack Obama: Are the problems back? - MARCA - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama is so glad she never had a son as she feared he would have turned out like her husband - Yahoo - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama: Im glad I never had a son one Barack is enough - The Times - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama is so glad she didnt have a son: He would have been a Barack Obama - TheGrio - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama is glad she and Barack never had a son: 'I would've felt for him' - Christian Post - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama shares the part of living in DC she could do without - FOX 5 DC - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama on being glad she didnt have a son: He wouldve been a Barack Obama - The Hill - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Did Obama deport more people than Trump? What to know as Trump calls for more ICE arrests - USA Today - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- OutKick founder Clay Travis: Trump has replaced Obama as the 'most consequential politician of the 21st century' - Fox News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Obama Breaks Silence to Troll Trump About His Crowd Sizes - The Daily Beast - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Barack Obama warns the U.S. is dangerously close to slipping into autocracy under Trump - MSNBC News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Hear former President Obama's warning about direction of the US - CNN - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Obama warns the U.S. is 'dangerously close' to slipping into an autocracy - MSNBC News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama So Glad Not to Have Son Whod Have Been a Baby Barack - The Daily Beast - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Obama Takes a Swipe at Trump Without Mentioning Him by Name - Newsweek - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says she is glad to not have a son. Heres why - The Economic Times - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- NBA's Masai Ujiri teams with President Obama to bring basketball to African youth - NBC New York - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]