Merz Says He Sees No Link Between Trump Dispute and US Troop Withdrawal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he sees no connection between his disagreements with US President Donald Trump and Washington’s planned reduction of troops in Germany, presenting it as his own assessment.

Merz rejected suggestions that his criticism of US military policy on Iran was prompted by the announcement that around 5,000 US troops would be withdrawn from Germany, the largest US base in Europe.

“I have to accept that the US president has a different view on these issues than we do. But that doesn't change the fact that I remain convinced that the Americans are important partners for us,” Merz said in an interview with public broadcaster ARD to be aired on Sunday.

Asked whether the troop reduction was connected to tensions between the two leaders, he replied: “There's no connection.”

Merz also questioned whether Trump has a clear strategy for the Middle East, saying the United States is “in a quandary” in dealing with Iran. Trump later described Merz as an “ineffective” leader.

(reuters, su)