2026 Clash: Trump Blasts Merz, Urges Him to Stay Out of Iran Crisis and Focus on Germany

 On April 30, 2026, President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to stop interfering in the Iranian nuclear issue and focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump criticized Merz's domestic policies on migration and energy, while threatening to reduce U.S. troop levels in Germany shortly. Despite reports of Berlin seeking deeper military ties with Washington, the public spat highlights a growing rift between the two allies over NATO's role and regional security strategies in 2026.