Merz Rejects Trump's Criticism of Defense Spending

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany has no reason to be concerned about defending its record on defense spending, responding to criticism from US President Donald Trump, who had described Germany's defense spending to date as "ridiculous".

Merz pointed out that Germany will double its defense budget over the next four years, calling it the largest strengthening of defense capabilities in the country's history. He emphasized that, as the largest member state of the European Union, Germany bears special responsibility for Europe's security.

Defense spending will be among the main topics at next week's NATO summit in Ankara, where European allies aim to demonstrate that they are increasing their ability to ensure the continent's defense.

This week, Trump repeatedly criticized NATO allies on the social media platform Truth Social, claiming that between 2014 and 2025, Germany spent significantly less on defense than the United States and other Alliance members.

Merz also said Germany takes the Russian threat very seriously, adding that the country will reach its goal of spending 3.5% of GDP on defense as early as 2029, six years ahead of the deadline set by the agreement adopted at the NATO summit in The Hague.

(Reuters, bak)