Morning opening: What were you saying, Mr Merz?
US President Donald Trump threatened last night to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Germany following comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz earlier this week, in which Merz stated that the US was being "humiliated" by Iran.
Trump announced that the US was "studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time."
Earlier yesterday, Trump posted a separate criticism directed at Merz and Germany, stating:
“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage. I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
These remarks came just hours after Trump’s phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and notably after Merz had repeatedly criticized Trump’s decision to initiate the Iran war, partially attributing Germany’s worse-than-expected economic performance to it.
At a recent meeting with high school students, Merz expressed that the US was "being humiliated" by Iran’s leadership through participation in negotiations that yield no results, and emphasized that the war "is costing us a lot of money … and a lot of economic strength."
“This war against Iran has a direct impact on our economic performance, and for that reason it must be brought to an end as soon as possible,”
he stated.
Merz maintained that his relationship with Trump remained positive, although recent developments may challenge that assertion.
It remains to be seen if Germany will respond to Trump’s remarks today.
Separately, attention is focused on potential comments regarding Trump’s phone call with Putin, including Trump’s suggestions that Ukraine is "defeated" and that Putin was working toward some form of temporary ceasefire.
It is Thursday, 30 April 2026. This is Jakub Krupa with Europe Live.
If you wish to review the context of the recent dispute between Germany and the US, here is the video of Merz’s controversial comments from earlier this week.
Merz also remarked that the Americans "clearly have no exit strategy."
Ukraine will 'clarify' what Putin's 'ceasefire' proposal is about, Zelenskyy says
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s comments following his phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
In a statement, Zelenskyy said he had instructed his team to contact Trump’s aides to "clarify the details of Russia’s proposal for a short-term ceasefire."
“Ukraine seeks peace and is doing the necessary diplomatic work to bring this war to a real end. We will clarify what exactly this is about – a few hours of security for a parade in Moscow, or something more.”
This statement appears to be a critique of Moscow’s decision to hold the upcoming Victory Day parade without military hardware due to concerns over a potential long-range attack by Ukrainian drones.
“Our proposal is a long-term ceasefire, reliable and guaranteed security for people, and a lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to work toward this in any dignified and effective format.”
