French and German defense ministers set to discuss consequences of Trump’s victory – POLITICO

BERLIN – Key European powers are already feeling the effects of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election as the defense ministers of France and Germany planned an impromptu evening summit in Paris to discuss the continent’s security.

Sebastien Lecornu (France) and Boris Pistorius (Germany) are expected to discuss the implications of the US elections for the defense of Europe, the French ministry confirmed, and both sides confirmed the two ministers would speak publicly after the meeting.

During Trump’s first term, he frequently accused European countries of misusing American military power and underspending on defense, especially Germany, which he called “unscrupulous” on military spending. Earlier this year, Trump appeared to encourage Russia will attack NATO allies who “don’t pay.” Both Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance also threatened reduce military support to Ukraine.