ollowing an unusually sharp public exchange, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to stabilize relations with Donald Trump.

 

Germany’s Merz tries to downplay row with Trump

Following an unusually sharp public exchange, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to stabilize relations with Donald Trump. The friction began after Merz criticized the U.S. strategy regarding the Iran war, leading to a personal and strategic clash between the two leaders.

 

The Core Conflict

The row was sparked on April 27, 2026, when Merz described the U.S. military engagement in Iran as "planless" and stated that the United States was being "humiliated" by the Iranian leadership. Merz expressed deep concern over the war's "massive impact" on Germany's economic performance and energy supply.

 

Trump responded aggressively on Truth Social on April 28, 2026, claiming Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about" and falsely suggesting the Chancellor was indifferent to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump also criticized Germany's economic record, stating the country is doing "poorly".

 

Merz’s Attempt to Downplay the Row

By April 29, 2026, Merz shifted to a more conciliatory tone to prevent further diplomatic damage:

"Good Speaking Terms": At a press conference in Berlin, Merz insisted that his personal relationship with Trump remains strong and that they are still on "good speaking terms".

Clarification of Intent: He clarified that his remarks were intended as an expression of "doubts from the beginning" regarding the military actions, rather than a personal attack.

Diplomatic Channels: Merz highlighted ongoing "constructive discussions" between the two governments, noting that the German foreign minister had just returned from high-level talks in New York.

 

Escalation: Troop Withdrawal Threats

Despite Merz's efforts to de-escalate, the situation remains tense. On April 29, 2026, Trump announced that the United States is officially reviewing a possible reduction of troops in Germany. Germany currently hosts over half of the 68,000 active-duty U.S. personnel stationed in Europe, making this a significant threat to German and European security.

 

This latest row has intensified Merz's existing calls for Europe to achieve "independence" from the U.S. in defense and security matters.