FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s foreign minister, insisted the US President’s actions have “weakened’ the West and accused the American of standing “against the interests of the European Union”. His outburst comes after Mrs Merkel said Europe could no longer rely on traditional allies such as the US and Britain. President Trump reacted to the Germans’ comments, tweeting America had a “massive trade deficit with Germany” and warned: “This will change.” Supporting his political ally, Mr Gabriel said: “Anyone who accelerates climate change by weakening environmental protection, who sells more weapons in conflict zones and who does not want to politically resolve religious conflicts is putting peace in Europe at Risk.

GETTY Donald Trump came under attack from Angela Merkel and her allies

The short-sighted policies of Donald Trump stands against the interests of the European Union Sigmar Gabriel

“The short-sighted policies of the American government stands against the interests of the European Union. “The West has become smaller, at least it has become weaker.” Speaking at a discussion on refugees and migration, Mr Gabriel urged Europe to stand up to President Trump and not feel threatened when offering criticisms. He added: “The Trump administration wants to terminate climate agreements, wants to enforce military action in crisis regions and won’t allow people from certain regions to enter the US.

“If the European are not resolutely opposing to this right now, the migration flow to Europe will continue to grow. Those who do not oppose this US policy are guilty.” Tensions between the US and Europe have grown since President Trump claimed he needed more time to decide if the US would continue supporting the Paris climate deal. Ms Merkel voiced her doubts about the reliability of the US as an ally, the German said: “The times in which we can fully count on others are somewhat over, as I have experienced in the past few days. “And that is why I can only say that we Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands – of course, in friendship with the United States of America, in friendship with Great Britain and as good neighbours wherever that is possible also with other countries, even Russia.”

World leaders gather at G7 summit 2017 Fri, May 26, 2017 Donald Trump will face Theresa May and world leaders at the G7 summit in Sicily Play slideshow EPA 1 of 8 G7 Summit in Taormina