Trump Slams Merz as ‘Totally Ineffective’ on Ukraine, Accuses Him of Interfering on Iran

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, accusing him of being “totally ineffective” in ending the Russia-Ukraine war and telling him to focus on his “broken Country” rather than “interfering” with U.S. efforts to neutralize the Iranian nuclear threat.

The Truth Social post escalates a war of words that has intensified since Merz publicly questioned the U.S. strategy in the Iran war and announced that Germany is prepared to contribute militarily to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“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!”
— President Donald J. Trump, via Truth Social

🔥 Totally Ineffective on Ukraine

Trump’s charge that Merz has been “totally ineffective” in ending the Russia-Ukraine war reflects the administration’s frustration with Berlin’s cautious approach to military aid.

• Taurus Missiles: Merz has approved the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, but the number is limited, and the administration has pressed Germany to allow Ukraine to use them for strikes deep inside Russian territory. Merz has publicly stated he is “not in a hurry” to expand the range.
• Economic Sanctions: Germany has supported EU sanctions on Russia, but the administration argues that Berlin has been slow to enforce measures against third-country shipping of Russian oil.
• Peace Talks: Merz has publicly stated that he does not see a “convincing negotiating strategy” from the US, while Trump has claimed that Merz is “not helping” to end the war .

🏛️ ‘Fixing His Broken Country’: Immigration and Energy

Trump also homed in on Merz’s domestic record, pointing to two politically sensitive issues in Germany’s upcoming election campaign.

• Immigration: Germany has seen a surge in asylum applications, straining local budgets. The CDU/CSU (Merz’s party) has called for tighter border controls, but the SPD (coalition partner) has blocked key measures. Merz’s approval ratings have slipped, and the far-right AfD is polling at record levels.
• Energy: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has spiked energy prices, hitting German industry particularly hard (since the country has shut down its nuclear plants). Merz has been forced to extend the life of coal plants, angering his Green coalition partners.

Trump’s use of “broken Country” echoes his previous criticisms of Germany’s economy and energy policy during his first term.

🛑 ‘Interfering’ on Iran

Trump’s complaint that Merz is “interfering” with U.S. efforts on Iran directly references the Chancellor’s recent statement that Germany is prepared to contribute minesweepers to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

• A Separate Initiative: The U.S. has its own naval task force in the region. Trump appears to view Germany’s proposed deployment as freelancing, potentially undermining U.S. command and control.
• Contradictory Signals: While Merz has called for Iran to return to the negotiating table, Trump has demanded that Iran “cry uncle.” Germany’s push for a negotiated off-ramp may be at odds with the White House’s maximum pressure strategy.

🇺🇸 ‘Making the World a Safer Place’

Trump concluded by portraying the U.S. effort to “get rid of the Iran Nuclear threat” as a global public good that benefits Germany as well.

• The U.S. Blockade: The U.S. Navy is currently enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, cutting off oil exports and pressuring Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
• Iran’s Breaches: Prior to the war, the IAEA confirmed that Iran was enriching uranium to 60% and had restricted inspector access, leading the U.S. and Israel to launch strikes.

Trump’s appeal to German self-interest — “making the World, including Germany, a safer place” — is a swipe at Merz’s criticism, suggesting that Berlin is ungrateful for U.S. leadership.

As of Thursday afternoon, Merz had not responded to Trump’s latest comments. The Chancellor previously stated that he would not engage in a “personal fight” with the U.S. president.

However, the German Foreign Office issued a statement reaffirming that “Germany stands with its allies” and that it “will continue to do its part” to secure maritime trade routes.

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