In a tense diplomatic standoff, former US President Donald Trump has fired back at German politician Friedrich Merz after the latter criticized the US and Israeli efforts in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Merz, a leading candidate in the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a close ally of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had sparked outrage in Washington by suggesting that the US and Israel's military actions in the region are exacerbating the crisis. Trump, never one to shy away from a public spat, has now responded with a scathing tweet, accusing Merz of being "weak on defense" and implying that Germany's stance on the conflict is influenced by its historical guilt over World War II. As tensions between the US and Europe continue to simmer, the exchange between Trump and Merz has raised questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the role of Germany in shaping European foreign policy.
Donald Trump retaliates against Friedrich Merz over chancellor’s criticism of US-Israeli war effort
