German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he would not advise his children to study or work in the United States, citing the „deeply polarized” social and political climate in America.
The statements have sparked harsh reactions from close associates of Donald Trump and have escalated tensions between Berlin and Washington, already heightened by divergences regarding Iran, Ukraine, and trade, as reported by The Guardian.
Speaking at a conference for young Catholics held in Würzburg, Friedrich Merz said that he no longer sees the U.S. as the "land of opportunities."
"I am a great admirer of America. At this moment, my admiration is not growing," stated the German Chancellor.
"Today, I would not advise my children to go to the USA, to study or work there, simply because a certain social climate has suddenly developed," Merz affirmed.
The 70-year-old German Chancellor and father of three added that "today, even the best-prepared people in America face great difficulties in finding a job."
Merz urges Germans to be more optimistic
In his speech, the conservative leader called on Germans not to view the state of the world in a catastrophic manner and to have more confidence in the potential of their own country.
"I strongly believe that there are few countries in the world that offer such great opportunities, especially for young people, as Germany," he said.
The statements come at a tense moment for the relationship between Berlin and Washington. Trade disputes and divergences regarding military aid for Ukraine have fueled tensions between the U.S. and European allies, putting pressure on the NATO alliance.
Merz recently criticized the effects of the conflict between Iran and Israel on Europe, stating that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely affects European interests.
Harsh reaction from Trump's camp
The German Chancellor's comments immediately stirred reactions from Donald Trump's close associates.
Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany and Republican foreign policy adviser, wrote on X that "@_FriedrichMerz has become the European president of the TDS Society," referring to the term "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
Grenell argued that Merz had a completely different attitude during the meeting with Trump at the White House in March. "Germans have a leader without a strategy - and completely controlled by the woke press in Germany," he stated.
The leader of the German far-right, Alice Weidel, also reacted critically. "Merz advises people to avoid traveling to the U.S. because of the 'political climate.' Ironically, it is precisely a chancellor who deliberately leads his own country to social and economic ruin that is now pointing fingers and warning others," wrote the AfD party leader on social media.
Berlin-Washington relationship increasingly tense
At the end of last month, Merz caused dissatisfaction in Washington after stating that Americans are "humiliated" by the Iranian leadership in the current conflict.
A few days after these statements, the U.S. announced a partial withdrawal of troops from Germany and an increase in tariffs for imported cars from the European Union, an essential sector for the German economy.
Despite the tensions, the German Chancellor stated on Friday that he had a phone conversation with Donald Trump regarding Iran, Ukraine, and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
"The U.S. and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO," Merz wrote on X.
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