The President

Trump Tried To Bond With Merkel Over Unproven Wiretapping Claims

The two leaders have many differences, but the president said — without evidence — they've both been wiretapped by the Obama administration.

Trump Tried To Bond With Merkel Over Unproven Wiretapping Claims
Getty Images

On Friday, President Trump stood by his claim that former President Obama wiretapped his campaign. But this time, he dragged German Chancellor Angela Merkel into it.

"As far as wiretapping, I guess by this past administration, at least we have something in common, perhaps," Trump said.

In 2013, German newspaper Der Spiegel reported the National Security Agency had tapped Merkel's personal cellphone beginning as early as 2002. Reports indicated Obama knew of the wiretapping and approved its continuation. But the NSA said Obama wasn't aware of it.

Obama and Merkel ended up having a close relationship.

Trump's latest comments came after his press secretary told reporters the U.K.'s intelligence agency wiretapped Trump on Obama's behalf.

US Officials Reportedly Apologize To The UK Over Spying Claims
US Officials Reportedly Apologize To The UK Over Spying Claims

US Officials Reportedly Apologize To The UK Over Spying Claims

The White House has promised not to repeat claims that the U.K. wiretapped Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.

LEARN MORE

A spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May called the claims "ridiculous" and said the White House assured them it wouldn't repeat the allegations.

The wiretapping controversy started earlier this month when Trump tweeted that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower ahead of the presidential election. 

Congressional intelligence committees have said there's no evidence that happened.

Regardless, don't expect Trump to stop tweeting anytime soon.

"Are there, from time to time, tweets that you regret?" a German reporter asked.

"Very seldom," Trump responded. 

"Very seldom," the reporter said.

"Very seldom," Trump repeated.

"So you never would have wished — "

"Very seldom," Trump said." 

" — not to have tweeted something?" the reporter asked.

"Probably wouldn't be here right now. But very seldom. We have a tremendous group of people that listen, and I can get around the media when the media doesn't tell the truth," Trump said.