Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after Merz criticised the US handling of the ongoing war with Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Merz of being ignorant and claimed he was fine with Iran having a nuclear weapon.
Merz had earlier stated that the US was being “humiliated” by Iran, noting that Tehran was “obviously very skilled at negotiating”. He expressed hope that the conflict would end quickly. Trump responded by saying Germany was “doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise”.
The exchange is the latest in a series of transatlantic tensions since Trump returned to the White House. Several Nato countries have refused to fully back the US-Israel war on Iran, straining relations. Trump has also criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and threatened to cut trade with Spain.
French President Emmanuel Macron offered solidarity to Spain after Trump’s threats, further straining US-France ties. Trump previously made personal remarks about Macron’s wife, which Macron called “neither elegant nor up to standard”.
