A blunt remark by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has triggered a sharp response from US President Donald Trump — and reopened questions about the state of transatlantic relations. After Merz publicly criticized Washington’s handling of Iran, saying the US s being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership, Trump hinted at reviewing the US troop presence in Germany, raising security and diplomatic stakes. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW Political Correspondent Giulia Saudelli discusses the fallout with Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner and Max Hofmann, Head of DW’s Berlin Bureau. Was Merz was simply speaking his mind — or do his remarks signal a more assertive approach toward an unpredictable partner in the White House? We discuss how much damage has been done, and how real Trump’s threats really are.
DW News
Journalism that’s Made for Minds. Follow us for global news and analysis from the heart of Europe. DW News delivers the world's breaking news while going deep beneath the surface of what's going on. Correspondents on the ground and in the studio provide their detailed analysis and insights on issues that affect our viewers.Deutsche Welle is Germany’s international broadcaster, producing content in 30 languages. We independently report social, political and economic developments in Germany and Europe, incorporating both German and other perspectives. DW hopes to promote understanding between different cultures and peoples.While funded by the German government, the work of DW is regulated by the Deutsche Welle Act (http://p.dw.com/p/17MtP), meaning content is always independent of government influence.