Pence tells Europe: ‘US has your back’

US VICE President Mike Pence pledged an "unwavering" commitment to transatlantic ties, aiming to reassure allies including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who pleaded with nations not to go it alone. Capping a week of whirlwind diplomacy by American officials who have descended on Europe to calm nerves rattled by President Donald Trump, Mr Pence underlined the United States' loyalty to its old friends.

Pence pledges U.S. will stand firm with Europe, NATO

German Chancellor Angela Merkel walks with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence during the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2017. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks to participants in the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2017.

Tillerson presides over shakeup at State Department

The news sent shock waves through the agency and has left career officials on edge, in part because of its abrupt nature - taking place before their assignments end this summer and replacements have been found - and in part because these officials help the secretary, a government novice, work with policy experts throughout the building. While Tillerson was on his first overseas trip at the G20 in Bonn, Germany, his aides told the entire staff in the offices of the deputy secretary of state for management and resources and the State Department counselor that their current assignments were prematurely coming to an end, according to senior aides.

Trudeau on NATO: spending isn’t everything

Canada is demonstrating its commitment to NATO in ways that go beyond simple military spending, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says. During a news conference Friday in Berlin, Trudeau acknowledged the spending target agreed to in 2014 by the members of the global military alliance - two per cent of GDP annually - but described Canada and Germany as principal NATO actors who do much of the "heavy lifting."

Trudeau, Merkel differ on answering Trump call for more NATO defence spending

The pro-trade show of solidarity that Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are likely to make in Berlin later today will mask differences in how to deal with Donald Trump's call for NATO members to boost military spending. The two leaders are to address reporters following an impromptu dinner Thursday night at the Chancellor's invitation, and a meeting today.

Meet Trump’s Loudest Foreign Surrogate

The leader of Italy's populist right-wing Northern League is a big fan of The Donald-and he's hoping Trump's rise will help usher in a new era in European politics. Salvini, 43, is the leader of Italy's Northern League -a populist, right-wing faction in Italian politics that calls for deporting all illegal immigrants, exerting more control over the country's borders, and taking Italy out of the eurozone common currency.

‘Saturday Night Live’ Mocks President Trump’s Calls With Foreign Leaders In Cold Opener

During the cold opener this weekend, Alec Baldwin reprised his role as President Trump with Steve Bannon - dressed as the Grim Reaper - at his side as he phoned Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

Malcolm Turnbull discovers Donald Trump doesn’t ‘make nice’

Malcolm Turnbull refused to confirm or deny whether Donald Trump hung up on him after calling the Nauru resettlement plan the "worst deal ever". No matter the differences between Washington and Canberra or personal disinterest between the respective leaders, any past prime minister could rely on any president to make the phone calls and visits look dignified and diplomatic, as befits a "special relationship".

German minister heads to Washington amid growing U.S. critiques

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Wednesday announced plans to visit Washington and shore up ties with Germany's closest ally outside Europe, days after a key aide to U.S. President Donald Trump launched fresh attacks on Berlin's policies. Gabriel said he looked forward to a "good, open and friendly" dialogue with Rex Tillerson, confirmed as Trump's secretary of State on Wednesday by the U.S. Senate, and said Germany was seeking answers about the new U.S. administration's foreign policies, its relationship to the NATO alliance and other key issues.

Trump to honour refugee swap deal with Australia – source

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration will honour a refugee resettlement deal with Australia, Treasurer Scott Morrison said on Monday. Trump spoke by telephone with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Sunday, officials in both countries said, one of a number of conversations the new U.S. president held with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Donald Trump ‘expected to visit Scotland when he comes to the UK’

Whitehall insiders expect Donald Trump to visit Scotland if the controversial tycoon turned President-Elect of the United States comes to the UK later this year. Sources said that Mr Trump, whose mother came from outside Stornoway, was expected to spend time north of the Border.