BackGerman Chancellor Merz Loses Balance with Trump Over Iran War Criticism

Developing

Politico EU4/30/2026Politics

German Chancellor Merz Loses Balance with Trump Over Iran War Criticism

Chancellor's comment that U.S. was being "humiliated" by Iran triggers Trump attack and threat to withdraw American troops from Germany

friedrich merz donald trump germany

Quick Look

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has angered U.S.
President Donald Trump by criticizing the Iran war and suggesting the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Tehran.
Trump responded by attacking Merz on Truth Social and threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany — Berlin's nightmare scenario.

AI-generated summary

Font size

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has angered U.S. President Donald Trump by criticizing the Iran war and suggesting the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Tehran. Trump responded by attacking Merz on Truth Social and threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany — Berlin's nightmare scenario. Merz attempted to downplay the dispute, insisting the transatlantic bond remains strong, but the incident marks a significant rupture in relations that had previously been cordial.

Read the full article on Politico EU

Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has split after leader Jarosław Kaczyński expelled former PM Mateusz Morawiecki and dozens of MPs for refusing loyalty declarations. This rupture weakens the conservative camp's ability to challenge pro-EU Prime Minister Donald Tusk in future elections, as PiS's poll numbers decline and conservative voters face division.

Politico EU

3 min read

Developing·15 hours ago

German Chancellor Merz begins cabinet reshuffle amid low ratings

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz initiated a significant reshuffle of top CDU positions, appointing Nina Warken as chancellery chief, to combat historically low popularity and strengthen the party ahead of crucial regional elections where the far-right AfD poses a threat.

Politico EU

3 min read

Developing·15 hours ago

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich Suspends Duties After EU Sanctions

Arkady Dvorkovich, former Russian deputy prime minister and FIDE president, suspended his duties after the EU sanctioned him for undermining Ukraine's integrity. Dvorkovich called the decision "unlawful and unfair," with FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand taking over his responsibilities.

Politico EU

1 min read

BREAKING·17 hours ago

Trump Imposes New Double-Digit Tariffs on 60 Economic Partners Over Forced Labor Claims

US President Donald Trump has imposed new double-digit tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, on 60 economic partners, including China, India, and the EU, over claims of forced labor. These duties, effective Friday, replace earlier expiring tariffs and are based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, drawing criticism from nations like Brazil but cautious optimism from the EU.

Euronews Business

3 min read

Developing·19 hours ago

EU Countries Push Back Against Commission's €2 Trillion Budget Conditionality Plan

Ten EU countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, are opposing the European Commission's plan to link €2 trillion budget payments to policy overhauls like raising the retirement age. This conditionality, tested in the RRF, faces pushback from both major contributors and net recipients, sparking a new battleground in budget negotiations.

Politico EU

3 min read

Politics·19 hours ago

U.S. declines international livestock declaration over gender equality mentions

The U.S. administration declined to participate in a U.N. declaration on sustainable livestock, citing excessive mentions of gender equality and climate change, which it believes distract from the core mandate. The voluntary plan was adopted by delegates in Rome.

Politico EU

1 min read

German Chancellor Merz Loses Balance with Trump Over Iran War Criticism

Quick Look

Related Topics

Related Stories

Poland's Law and Justice Party Splits, Weakening Conservative Opposition to PM Tusk

German Chancellor Merz begins cabinet reshuffle amid low ratings

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich Suspends Duties After EU Sanctions

Trump Imposes New Double-Digit Tariffs on 60 Economic Partners Over Forced Labor Claims

EU Countries Push Back Against Commission's €2 Trillion Budget Conditionality Plan

U.S. declines international livestock declaration over gender equality mentions