Trump again criticizes Germany's Merz, tells him to stop interfering over Iran
Trump's Ongoing Dispute with German Chancellor Merz
By Humeyra Pamuk and David Ljunggren
Recent Criticisms and Accusations
April 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday continued his attacks on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, saying he was "doing a terrible job" with his own country and should spend "less time on interfering" with Washington's effort to tackle "the Iran nuclear threat."
Background of the Dispute
Trump has been sparring with Merz over the war in Iran in recent days. On Tuesday, he said Merz didn't know what he was talking about after the German leader said the Iranians were humiliating the U.S. in talks to end the two-month-old war.
Additional Criticisms on Domestic and International Issues
On Wednesday, during an Oval Office event, he said Merz was struggling at home with energy and immigration issues, and had failed to help resolve the Ukraine war.
Trump's Direct Quotes
"He's doing a terrible job," he said. "And he's got a big problem with Ukraine, because they're in that mess."
Merz's Response and Germany's Position
Merz, speaking at a military base, underscored the importance of the transatlantic partnership but did not mention Trump's comments about troop reductions. He said Berlin remained in "trusting contact" with partners and reaffirmed Germany's openness to taking part in a military mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once conditions were met.
Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The strait has been largely blockaded since the outbreak of the war on February 28, throttling oil transports, driving energy prices sharply higher and disrupting vital supply chains, including for fertilizer.
Trump's Social Media Statements
Trump made his first Thursday comments in a Truth Social post.
Summary of Trump's Message
"The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place!" Trump said.
(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and David Ljunggren; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Alistair Bell)
