In Washington, Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, declaring that he “should fix his broken country.” This was triggered by Merz’s public criticism of the US approach to the Iran nuclear deal and of Trump himself. With this move, Merz has brought a highly sensitive conflict into the public arena, where Trump can exploit it politically. The risk, therefore, lies not only in the US reaction. Merz is damaging Germany internationally because his words are sowing doubt about diplomatic finesse, strategic discipline, and German reliability. (welt: 01.05.26)
Donald Trump is ruthlessly exploiting Merz’s mistakes
Merz should have known how Donald Trump would react to public criticism. Nevertheless, he chose an open attack. This demonstrates a lack of political finesse in a situation that demands cool diplomacy.
His remarks offer Germany no strategic advantage. They neither improve the situation in the Iran conflict nor strengthen European security. Instead, they provide Trump with ammunition to portray Germany as arrogant and weak.
Merz turns the Chancellor’s words into a risk
A Chancellor must know when public criticism is beneficial. Merz, however, has crossed this line. He turned a political difference into a personal conflict with Germany’s most important security partner.
This carries significant weight because Germany is heavily dependent on the US militarily. At the same time, the German economy remains vulnerable due to high energy prices and weak growth. Therefore, Merz’s lecturing tone appears risky and self-righteous.
Germany pays the price for a lack of sensitivity
Donald Trump is hitting Germany on sensitive issues. He mentions migration, energy policy, and the war in Ukraine. These topics are particularly delicate for Berlin.
Precisely for this reason, the Chancellor should have acted more cautiously. Those responsible for unresolved problems at home should formulate international criticism with restraint. Otherwise, foreign policy appears not sovereign, but vain.
Merz needs a policy focused on national interests, not public lecturing
The damage isn’t solely due to Trump’s reaction. It also stems from the impression that Berlin is acting in an uncoordinated manner in foreign policy. Merz is sending a signal that Washington could interpret as interference.
Germany needs reliability, economic strength, and robust alliances. A chancellor must not needlessly damage these foundations. The Chancellor must prioritize German interests over personal ambition.