Merkel fires back at Trump, says Germany makes 'independent decisions'

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel gestures as she addresses the audience during a news conference at National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico June 9, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso - RTS16G03

Chancellor Angela Merkel today said Germany makes "independent decisions", firing back at US President Donald Trump after he accused Berlin of being a "captive" of Russia.

"I myself have also experienced a part of Germany being occupied by the Soviet Union," Merkel, who grew up in communist East Germany, said as she arrived at a tense NATO summit.

"I am very glad that we are united today in freedom as the Federal Republic of Germany and that we can therefore also make our own independent policies and make our own independent decisions," she said.