Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after Merz criticised the US handling of the ongoing war with Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Merz of condoning Iran's nuclear ambitions and claimed Germany is 'doing so poorly' economically.
Merz's Remarks Spark Fury
Earlier this week, Merz stated that the US had been 'humiliated' by Iran, as Washington and Tehran struggle to agree on a permanent ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 'An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible,' Merz said, adding that the Iranians are 'obviously very skilled at negotiating'.
In response, Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage. I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise.'
Strained Transatlantic Ties
This is the latest in a series of attacks by Trump on European leaders, as US-European relations deteriorate following the refusal of several NATO countries to fully support the US war on Iran. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, once considered a 'Trump-whisperer', was among the first to face Trump's wrath. In March, Trump said he was 'not happy with the UK' and described Starmer as 'no Winston Churchill'.
Trump also criticised Starmer over the Chagos Islands deal, calling it an 'act of GREAT STUPIDITY'. Despite this, the US-UK relationship may still be salvageable, with Trump saying it was 'absolutely' the case ahead of a visit by the King to Washington.
Spain Faces Trade Threats
Trump's relationship with Spain appears beyond repair. During a meeting with Merz in early March, Trump said: 'Spain has been terrible. We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain.' He accused Spain of being a 'terrible partner' in NATO for failing to meet the 5% of GDP defence spending target.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded with a 10-minute address rebuking Trump, reiterating his opposition to war and the 'breakdown of international law'. He declared: 'No to war. We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world – and that is also contrary to our values and interests – simply out of fear of reprisals from someone.'
France Offers Solidarity
Following Trump's threat, French President Emmanuel Macron offered his 'solidarity' to Spain during a phone call with Sanchez. This risks further damaging Franco-American relations, which have been strained since Trump reassumed the presidency in January 2025.
Trump previously took a personal aim at Macron, referencing a video of Brigitte Macron shoving her husband. Expressing frustration over lack of support for the Iran war, Trump said: 'I call up France, Macron – whose wife treats him extremely badly... Still recovering from the right to the jaw.' Macron criticised the remarks as 'neither elegant nor up to standard'.
This is the latest in a series of tense exchanges, including Trump saying 'Emmanuel always gets it wrong' and accusing him of being 'publicity-seeking'.
