German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he does not advise his children to live or study in the United States at the present time, pointing to the rapid social changes and lack of opportunities even for those with high levels of education.
These statements come in the context of the ongoing tension between the United States and its European allies during the era of US President Donald Trump, as disagreements over trade and the wars in Ukraine and Iran lead to strained relations within NATO.
Meretz said last month that the United States was being “humiliated” in the Iran war, which angered Trump. Shortly thereafter, Washington announced a partial withdrawal of its forces from Germany and raised tariffs on EU cars, a sector in which Germany leads.
During a speech he delivered to a youth audience at a Catholic conference in Würzburg, Merz urged Germans to feel optimistic about their country’s potential, noting that Germany provides exceptional opportunities for young people. He said: “I will not advise my children to go to the United States to receive their education and work there, simply because of the social climate that has suddenly developed there.”
“Today, the most educated people in America have great difficulty finding a job,” Mertz, 70, added.
Although he describes himself as a strong supporter of transatlantic relations, Merz has criticized Germany’s strongest ally since taking office in 2025, saying: “I admire America very much… and my admiration is not increasing at the present time,” which sparked laughter and applause from the audience.
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