Merz Warns 3 Children Off US Study and Work as Trump Rift Deepens

15 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 15

Würzburg remarks from Friedrich Merz sharpened his criticism of the US, saying he would not advise his children to study or work there because of a rapidly worsening social climate and weak job prospects.
The 70-year-old German chancellor said even highly educated people in America now struggle to find jobs, while urging Germans to stay optimistic about opportunities at home.
Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, blasted Merz on X as inconsistent and media-driven, and AfD leader Alice Weidel accused him of damaging Germany’s interests.
The comments extend a broader transatlantic clash over Iran, Ukraine, trade and NATO after Merz said the US was being humiliated by Iran; Washington later announced a partial troop pullback from Germany and higher EU car tariffs.
Despite the dispute, Merz said Friday he had spoken with Trump about Iran, Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit, insisting the US and Germany remain strong partners.

Is the transatlantic alliance fracturing, or can leaders mend the growing rift over trade and security?

Can Germany’s military rise fill the security vacuum as the United States pulls back from Europe?

With youth in both nations facing uncertainty, where do the best career opportunities for the next generation truly lie?