Politico EU5/3/2026Politics
Merz Tries to Cool Tensions with Trump After Insults, Troop Withdrawal Threats
German chancellor acknowledges relationship strain but vows not to abandon transatlantic cooperation despite recent insults and tariff threats
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- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to defuse transatlantic tensions on Sunday, acknowledging differences with President Donald Trump after the U.S. leader insulted him on social media and threatened to withdraw American troops from Germany.
- Merz defended his blunt communication style despite criticism at home, while expressing concern over stalled U.S. missile deployments and fresh tariff threats targeting EU exports, particularly German automobiles.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to defuse transatlantic tensions on Sunday, acknowledging differences with President Donald Trump after the U.S. leader insulted him on social media and threatened to withdraw American troops from Germany. Merz defended his blunt communication style despite criticism at home, while expressing concern over stalled U.S. missile deployments and fresh tariff threats targeting EU exports, particularly German automobiles.
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This article was originally published by Politico EU.
