Ursula von der Leyen is officially the European Commission’s next president. She's questioned why Trump wants to be a “best buddy” with Putin and even suggested Trump is uncomfortable with strong female leaders.
Ursula von der Leyen has called Donald Trump’s discussions of NATO “immature,” questioned why he wants to be a “best buddy” with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and even suggested the president is uncomfortable with strong female leaders.On Tuesday, von der Leyen became the European Commission’s next president, narrowly winning election in the European Parliament. The new role for von der Leyen, who has been Germany’s defense minister since 2013, will put her at the forefront of negotiations with the U.
When von der Leyen next visits Washington, she may have to tread carefully, given her many characteristics likely to give Trump pause. Ursula Von der Leyen, often referred to as VDL, is close to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has long had a tense relationship with President Donald Trump. | Susan Walsh/AP Photo
“She’s pragmatic, she’s realistic, she’s a hard worker and she’s tough,” said Rachel Ellehuus, who served as a top aide to former Trump administration Defense Secretary James Mattis. “She never over-promised and under-delivered.” “Trump does like women with panache,” the official said on condition of anonymity. “His own household is evidence of that.”
Trump has referred to the EU as a “foe” because he alleges it undermines the United States on trade. Last year, Trump seemed to link NATO members’ defense spending with EU trade practices — issues that are traditionally separate. Asked about Trump’s comments, von der Leyen was diplomatically blunt.. "Therefore, I think we should turn the discussion into a mature discussion which disentangles both topics. They are not related to each other.
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