U.S. President Donald Trump said the German chancellor should spend more time trying to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and fixing Germany’s domestic problems, including immigration and energy, instead of interfering in efforts to deal with the Iran nuclear threat.
Trump’s comments came amid a widening public dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had earlier criticized U.S. handling of the Iran conflict. Trump responded by saying Berlin should focus on its own challenges rather than pressing Washington over Iran-related policy.
According to recent reporting, Trump has also threatened to review the U.S. troop presence in Germany after Merz said the Iran war had “disgraced” the United States and questioned Washington’s strategy. The remarks added to tensions between the two leaders, who have increasingly clashed over Iran, Ukraine and transatlantic security issues.
The German side has been critical of Trump’s approach to sanctions and military pressure, with Berlin previously objecting to U.S. plans to ease oil sanctions on Russia and Iran. Trump’s latest comments suggest he sees Germany as overstepping while Washington is trying to manage Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional stability.
The dispute also comes against the backdrop of broader disagreement over the war in Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly urged European leaders to take a harder line on migration, energy policy and security spending, while also insisting that the United States must focus on what he views as core strategic priorities.
For now, Trump’s message to Germany is blunt: deal with your own domestic problems and leave Iran policy to Washington.