Außenpolitik: Merz zweifelt an Trump-Regierung – „Unbedingte transatlantische Freundschaft ist vorbei“

Friedrich Merz, Germany's former foreign minister, doubts the ongoing "unconditional" friendship between the United States and Europe, particularly under the Trump administration. In a speech ahead of Berlin's city council elections, Merz emphasized that the transatlantic bond has likely ended, with the US showing a shift in political stance and reassessment of the alliance. Merz drew parallels between current US-DEU relations and historic speeches by US presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Merz's comments come after a phone call with Trump, where both leaders highlighted the special bond between Germans and Americans. During their conversation, they discussed efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine and the ongoing crises surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Canada's move to become a "associated member" of the European Union, prompting Trump to threaten new tariffs on Europe if the situation remains detrimental to the US.

Earlier this month, Trump endorsed the Alternative for Germany party's victory in the Saxon-Anhalt state election, causing political turmoil and prompting calls for Merz's resignation. Merz has previously provoked the US administration with his rhetoric, such as when he criticized US negotiators seeking a resolution to the Iran conflict in April.

Trump responded by announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 German troops. Merz's remarks echo those of his predecessor Angela Merkel in May 2017, when she called the reliable relationships built since WWII "to some extent over."