Trump caught calling his 'two-faced' Trudeau comment 'funny'

4 December 2019, 11:52

By EJ Ward

President Trump has been overheard on mic congratulating himself over his "funny" comment in which he called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "two-faced".

The President was caught in an audio recording talking to an unidentified individual about his decision to leave the summit before his final press conference.

The individual can be heard saying: "You'll be in double digits for press conferences."

Mr Trump replied: "And then you know what they'll say? He didn't do a press conference! He didn't do a press conference!"

He then alludes to his earlier comment about Mr Trudeau, adding: "That was funny when I said the guy's two-faced."

It comes after the President departed a major Nato summit early following video footage which appeared to show world leaders 'gossiping' about him.

Footage from an event last night emerged that showed Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau apparently caught making remarks about the President.

In a press conference today alongside Angela Merkel, Mr Trump blasted Mr Trudeau as "two-faced" before cancelling further engagements at the Nato meeting, and leaving.

ANALYSIS: Why 'gossip' about Trump is no laughing matter

"Well, he’s two-faced,” Mr Trump said of the Canadian prime minister.

His remarks were made over US demands that Canada should contribute more to Nato. Speaking alongside Angela Merkel, he added: ”Honestly, with Trudeau he’s a nice guy, I find him to be a very nice guy.

“But you know the truth is that I called him out on the fact that he’s not paying 2 per cent, and I guess he’s not very happy about it.”

Mr Trump continued: “He’s not paying 2 per cent and he should be paying 2 per cent. It’s Canada, they have money and they should be paying 2 per cent, so I called him out on that and I’m sure he wasn’t happy about it but that’s the way it is.

“Look, I’m representing the US and he should be paying more than he’s paying, and he understands it.”

The exact reason why Donald Trump suddenly left the summit has not been made clear but he Tweeted later that he left because he had done "so many" press conferences over the last two days.

"Just finished meetings with Turkey and Germany," he wrote.

"Heading to a meeting now with those countries that have met their 2% GOALS, followed by meetings with Denmark and Italy When today’s meetings are over, I will be heading back to Washington.

"We won’t be doing a press conference at the close of NATO because we did so many over the past two days. Safe travels to all!"

Earlier, a smiling Donald Trump was pictured shaking hands with Boris Johnson at the Nato summit, as the PM reaffirmed Britain's commitment to the alliance remains "absolutely rock solid."

The Prime Minister has previously avoided one-on-one photo opportunities with the US President during the two-day meeting of Nato leaders in Watford, near London, and has instead sought to focus on domestic policy pledges.

With the UK preparing for general election comments made by the controversial US President have been weaponised by other party leaders.

Donald Trump tweeted today: "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street last night. Talked about numerous subjects including Nato and Trade."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has claimed the NHS is at risk due to potential US-UK trade deals which could see parts of the healthcare system sold off to American companies.

While Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson challenged Boris Johnson to protect UK farmers from a Trump trade deal.

Senior Tories had expressed concerns that an intervention by Donald Trump could end up costing the Conservative Party votes in the upcoming election, with a senior White House official telling reporter President Trump is “absolutely cognizant of not, again, wading into other country’s elections.”

On the same subject, the Prime Minister told LBC: “What we don’t do traditionally as loving allies and friends, what we don’t do traditionally, is get involved in each other’s election campaigns.

“The best (thing) when you have close friends and allies like the U.S. and the UK is for neither side to get involved in each other’s election.”

On Tuesday evening Nato leaders gathered at Buckingham Palace for a state event hosted by the Queen, where Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau were apparently caught making remarks about Donald Trump.

The President had held an impromptu press conference earlier in the day where he took questions from reporters.

In a video from the event, Justin Trudeau can be heard saying "e's late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top."

Macron and Trudeau 'caught gossiping about Trump' ahead of Nato summit.

The President arrived on the lawn of the Grove Hotel in Watford on Marine One shortly after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Dutch leader Mark Rutte walked past reporters.

The President tweeted on Wednesday: "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night. Talked about numerous subjects including Nato and Trade."

Mr Johnson, who insisted he would be photographed with "every possible leader" as he arrived at the summit, will return to the campaign trail later this afternoon with a visit to Buckinghamshire.

On Wednesday the Tory leader announced plans to improve security in public places, in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack.

The PM said: "It is no longer sufficient for public venues to prepare for accidental threats like fire.

"They need to reduce their vulnerability to people who seek to perpetrate violent acts, too."