But it was a clear repudiation of Trump's few days with European leaders.
On Friday, Trump had tough words for German trade behind closed doors. Hours later, he blasted European leaders at Nato for failing to spend enough on defence, while holding back from offering an unconditional guarantee for European security. Then, at the Group of Seven summit of leaders of major world economies at the weekend, he refused to endorse the Paris agreements on combating climate change, punting a decision until this week.
Merkel made similar comments shortly after Trump's November election. But they carry extra heft now that Trump is actually in office - and after Trump had a days-long opportunity to reset relations with Washington's closest allies. Instead, by most European accounts he strained them even more.
"The belief in shared values has been shattered by the Trump Administration," said Stephan Bierling, an expert on transatlantic relations at Germany's University of Regensburg.
"After the inauguration, everyone in Europe was hopeful that Trump would become more moderate and take into account the positions of the G-7 and of Nato. But the opposite has happened. It's as if he is still trying to win a campaign."
Bierling said there was broad consensus among Germany's political parties that the country can no longer rely on the US as a reliable partner.
