President Trump incorrectly stated on Tuesday that his father was born in Germany while he was criticizing the European country’s contribution to NATO.
Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, made the comment after declaring his “great respect” for German leader Angela Merkel — despite his disappointment that she was not forking over more money to the military alliance.
“Germany, honestly, is not paying their fair share,” Trump told reporters about NATO.
“I have great respect for Angela and great respect for the country. My father was German and born in a very wonderful place in Germany, so I have a great feeling for Germany.”
The president’s father, Fred Trump, was born in the Bronx.
The Washington Post reported that Trump has made the claim a number of times in the past.
It wasn’t clear if the president had meant to refer to his grandfather, Friedrich Trump, who emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1885.