Trump news at a glance: president doubles down on rift with Germany’s chancellor
President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on domestic issues in Germany rather than commenting on U.S. foreign policy in Iran. Trump also suggested he might withdraw U.S. troops from military bases in Italy and Spain, citing their lack of support in the conflict with Iran. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies over military commitments and diplomatic strategy.
- ▪Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling him to focus on fixing Germany's internal issues rather than commenting on U.S. actions in Iran.
- ▪Trump indicated he may withdraw U.S. troops from bases in Italy and Spain, claiming both countries have been unhelpful in the U.S. conflict with Iran.
- ▪German officials downplayed the threat of troop withdrawal, noting that similar statements were made during Trump's first term and that Germany is prepared for such moves.
- ▪Merz previously criticized the U.S. for being 'humiliated' by Iran and lacking an exit strategy from the war, prompting Trump's latest response.
- ▪Trump made the comments during an Oval Office event attended by rightwing media outlets, where he was directly asked about troop deployments in Europe.
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Donald Trump meets with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office in March. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDonald Trump meets with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office in March. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesTrump administration briefingTrump administrationExplainerTrump news at a glance: president doubles down on rift with Germany’s chancellorTrump also said he may consider pulling US troops from bases in Italy and Spain, after being prompted by rightwing reporter – key US politics stories from Thursday 30 AprilGuardian staffThu 30 Apr 2026 21.05 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 21.07 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDonald Trump has again lashed out at Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich…
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