"Fix Your Country First": Trump Slams German Chancellor Merz Over Iran

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling him a "terrible job" amid escalating differences over Iran. Trump told Merz to focus on domestic issues like immigration and energy, rather than interfering with US-led efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US president also raised the possibility of reducing American troops stationed in Germany, a move that has reportedly surprised Pentagon officials. The remarks follow Merz's suggestion that the Trump administration is being outmaneuvered in negotiations with Iran over the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Points: Trump Calls German Chancellor "Terrible Job" Amid Iran Rift

  • Trump criticizes German Chancellor Merz as "terrible job"
  • Rift over Iran nuclear negotiations intensifies
  • Trump suggests reducing US troops in Germany
  • Pentagon reportedly surprised by troop reduction proposal
2 min read

'Fix your country first': Trump says German Chancellor doing "terrible job" amid differences over Iran

Trump tells German Chancellor Merz to "fix your country first" amid escalating differences over Iran nuclear talks and US troop reduction plans.

"The German chancellor is doing a terrible job. He's got immigration and energy problems, and a problem with Ukraine. - Donald Trump"

Washington, May 1

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is doing a "terrible job" back at home, asking the latter to focus on the domestic problems as the rift between the two intensifies over the handling of the conflict in Iran.

At an executive order signing event in The Oval office, Trump said, "The German chancellor is doing a terrible job. He's got immigration and energy problems, and a problem with Ukraine. He criticised me for Iran, so I asked him, "Would you like Iran to have a nuclear weapon?" He said no. I said, "Well then, I guess I'm right."

In a similar remark on a Truth Social post, Trump said Metz should focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as stop interfering with the countries trying to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

"The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place!" he said.

Meanwhile, Trump's call to reduce US troops in Germany has surprised many at the Pentagon, Politico reported.

A congressional aide told Politico, The Pentagon was not expecting it and has not been planning any kind of drawdown. But we have to take him seriously because he was serious about it during his first administration."

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said his administration was "reviewing a possible reduction of troops in Germany," with a decision expected soon.

The remarks came as Friedrich Merz suggested the Trump team was being outplayed in talks with Iran aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian, I find this whole exchange childish. Two major world leaders squabbling like schoolboys on social media? Meanwhile, the common people in Germany and Iran suffer. India has always maintained a balanced approach — we import oil from Iran but also have strong ties with the US. Perhaps they should both take a lesson from our 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy instead of trying to dominate each other. 😒
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Ravi K
Merz should not underestimate Trump's unpredictability. The US reducing troops in Germany would be a big blow to NATO and European security. But Trump has a point — Germany imports Russian gas via Nord Stream while lecturing others on Ukraine. It's a double standard. India maintains strategic autonomy and doesn't lecture others. We just keep buying oil from wherever it's cheapest! Smart economics. 💰
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Arjun K
"Fix your country first" — ironic coming from a country with its own deep political divisions, gun violence issues and healthcare problems. But sadly, this is how global politics works now. As an Indian, I feel we should focus on our own neighbors (China, Pakistan) rather than commenting on US-Germany drama. Let's just make sure India doesn't get caught in the crossfire when these giants clash.
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Nisha Z
Trump is absolutely right here! Germany shut down its nuclear plants after Fukushima panic, and now they're dependent on Russian and Middle Eastern energy. And on Iran, does anyone want a nuclear-armed Iran? Of course not. India also opposes Iran getting nukes but we use quiet diplomacy, not Twitter fights. The reduction of US troops in Germany sends a strong message to Europe to step up. Merz is indeed ineffective on Ukraine — just look at the stalled peace talks. 👏

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