Merz seeks to repair Trump ties following troop withdrawal and tariff threats

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sought to de-escalate transatlantic tensions by praising his relationship with US President Donald Trump, signaling a move toward diplomatic stabilization following a period of public friction.

The overture follows a sharp exchange last week in which Merz criticized US military operations in Iran, prompting Trump to respond with social media insults and a threat to withdraw American forces from German soil. Within days, the President further intensified pressure by threatening to impose higher tariffs on European automotive imports.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, Merz struck a conciliatory note regarding the recent volatility. “I believe that a good partnership includes respecting different views. I do that, and I think he [Trump] does as well; perhaps a bit less so at the moment,” Merz said.

Merz characterized his relationship with Trump as active, noting that the two had met eight weeks ago and maintained contact “at somewhat longer intervals, but quite regularly.”

Trump’s rhetoric regarding troop reductions has cast a shadow over long-anticipated missile deployments. These concerns come as the German economy faces potential headwinds from the broader conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. In this climate, the President’s renewed tariff threats have been met with significant concern in Berlin.

The recent friction reflects a broader trend in the Chancellor’s communication style. Merz has faced domestic criticism for being excessively blunt on sensitive diplomatic matters. While acknowledging the risks inherent in his approach, the Chancellor emphasized that he does not intend to fundamentally alter his rhetoric.

“When I see these kinds of reactions, I ask myself how I could have expressed it better. I will express it better next time. But I will not say anything different,” Merz stated.

He argued that this approach is “deliberate,” asserting that voters expect sincerity from their leaders even when it leads to occasional friction. “I do not want to speak like a polished pebble. That is not my style. I will not give up on transatlantic relations, and I will not give up on cooperation with Donald Trump,” he added.

On Sunday, Merz attempted to downplay the severity of the dispute, particularly the threat of a US troop withdrawal. He framed the potential move not as an abrupt rupture, but as a component of long-term military strategy.

“There is a contingent of American troops in Europe that [former US President] Joe Biden deployed temporarily. Their withdrawal has been under discussion for quite some time,” Merz said, noting that Washington frequently shifts its global force posture.

However, the outlook for military hardware support remains more ambiguous. A 2024 commitment to supply Germany with long-range Tomahawk missiles—systems that have yet to be delivered—has not been renewed under the Trump administration. This lapse has generated anxiety across Europe regarding a perceived lack of sustained deterrence against Russia.

“We had a commitment from Joe Biden to deliver Tomahawk missiles. Donald Trump has not repeated that. So far, he has not given us that commitment,” Merz acknowledged.

The Chancellor suggested, however, that the bottleneck might be more logistical than political. “As I see it now, it is objectively nearly impossible for the US side to provide these types of weapon systems at this time,” he said.

Trade remains a primary point of contention. Trump has repeatedly threatened new tariffs on EU exports, including automobiles, a move that would disproportionately impact the German industrial base.

Despite the pressure, Merz maintained a measured tone. He even acknowledged some of the frustrations voiced by the US regarding stalled trade negotiations following an agreement signed last July between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.

“To be honest, he is somewhat rightly frustrated that we have not yet reached a conclusion in the European Union. We have not signed the agreement. The Americans are ready, but the Europeans are not,” Merz said.

He urged Brussels to accelerate the implementation of the deal. “That is why I hope we can reach an agreement as quickly as possible,” Merz said, while reiterating the German position that they “do not share the fundamental view that tariffs are a good thing.”

Sporting Diplomacy

The German leader also commented on the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US this summer.

Asked whether a potential German victory over the US on the football pitch might trigger further tariff threats, Merz remained optimistic. “I still believe the Americans will take it in good faith, and in football, I think we are better,” he said.