German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump.Image: keystone
April 30, 2026, 4:29 p.mApril 30, 2026, 4:30 p.m
US President Donald Trump follows up after a recent attack against Friedrich Merz: “The German Chancellor should spend more time ending the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He accused Merz of having been “completely ineffective” in the Ukraine war so far. He also needs to get Germany back under control instead of interfering in other matters.
Trump’s criticism comes just a day after his threat to withdraw US troops. The President had announced a corresponding review and a decision should be made shortly.
Merz: “From my point of view” the relationship remains good
Trump had already sharply attacked the German politician on Tuesday. “He has no idea what he’s talking about!” wrote the Republican on Truth Social. Already at this point, Trump claimed “that Germany is doing so badly, both economically and in other respects!” He accused Merz of agreeing that Iran had nuclear weapons and praised his own actions.
Judging by Trump’s comments, the personal relationship between the two seemed to have reached a new low. However, Merz countered this impression on Wednesday at a press conference in Berlin. “The personal relationship between the American President and me remains good – at least from my point of view,” he said. “We are still in good discussions with each other.” (sda/dpa)