BERLIN, January 16. /TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a "catastrophic mistake" when carrying out the refugee policy, US President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview with Bild and The Times newspapers.

"I think she made one very catastrophic mistake and that was taking all of these illegals, you know, taking all of the people from wherever they come from," Trump said.

Trump added that he has "great respect" for the German chancellor.