A top State Department spokesperson referenced the D-Day invasion during World War II as an example of the United States’ strong ties to Germany.

The department has been under fire since U.S. Ambassador to Germany Rick Grenell told Breitbart News he wants to help empower far-right groups in Europe, sparking anger from the U.S. ally.

“We have a very strong relationship with the government of Germany,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said during a briefing Tuesday. “Looking back in the history books, today is the 71st anniversary of the speech that announced the Marshall Plan. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the D-Day invasion.”

Wednesday is the 74th anniversary of the allied invasion of northern France during World War II, a bloody day in which thousands of U.S. and British soldierswere killed while fighting German troops. The massive attack was considered a turning point in the allied effort to push back Nazi forces in Europe.


“We obviously have a very long history with the government of Germany,” Nauert continued. “And we have a strong relationship with the government of Germany.”

Nauert used the D-Day invasion of German-occupied France as an example of the strong ties to Berlin. (AP )

Nauert was defending Grenell’s statements to Breitbart that he supports conservative groups in Europe, which the Trump appointee said are “experiencing an awakening from the silent majority.”

“Ambassadors have a right to express their opinion,” Nauert responded to questions about whether diplomats can support certain parties overseas. “They’re representatives of the White House, whether it’s this administration or other administrations.”


Grenell’s comments sparked outrage among German politicians, many of whom were already at odds with the Trump administration. Chancellor Angela Merkel had already signaled a desire to reduce reliance on Washington after President Trump backed out of the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal.

Grenell, in a tweet after the Breitbart interview was published last weekend, defended his remarks but clarified he wasn’t throwing his full support to a particular individual or group.

“What Ambassador Grenell was doing was merely highlighting that there are some parties and candidates in Europe who are doing well right now,” Nauert said.

With News Wire Services