US presidential hopeful and tycoon, Donald Trump, has harsh words for some of Washington's main allies, especially
France, which he called "the worst partner the US has ever had." All Black supporters might find some sympathy. John
Howard reports.
Trump said "If you look throughout the world, France has to be the worst partner that this country has ever had. They'll
sell a nuclear weapon to anybody giving them 10 cents more than the next guy."
Trump, a real estate mogul, who recently took his first step towards a presidential bid under the Reform Party by
registering as a member of its New York affiliate, said France's "disloyal" attitude makes it a poor ally.
"They've been a terrible partner over the years. They are a very disloyal group in terms of their government, and I
think they have to be taught respect. Anybody who knows anything about government, knows France has been disloyal to
virtually anybody else they deal with," he said.
Trump says Germany wants to take over the world economically, the Saudis take advantage with the oil, Japan takes
advantage and is ripping the US off "big league" and North Korea has a man who is taking nuclear reactors from the US
and then gets free fuel to run them.
Diplomats and Washington officials met Trump's comments with a stony and stunned silence.