German Chancellor Merz Says He Would Not Recommend Living or Studying in the US
May 2026 | By Azad News
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would not currently advise his children to live, study, or work in the United States, pointing to what he described as a changing social climate and growing difficulties for highly educated people seeking employment.
Merz made the remarks during a discussion with young people at a Catholic convention in the German city of Wuerzburg on Friday.
The comments come at a time of increasing tensions between the United States and several European allies under President Donald Trump, particularly over trade policies and international conflicts involving Ukraine and Iran.
Relations between Germany and the United States have faced additional strain after Washington announced partial troop withdrawals from Germany and introduced higher tariffs on European Union car imports.
Germany’s automobile industry is considered one of the sectors most affected by the new tariff measures.
Addressing the audience, Merz encouraged Germans to remain optimistic about their country’s future and opportunities for young people.
He said Germany continues to offer strong educational and professional opportunities, adding that people often focus too heavily on negative global developments.
The German leader also claimed that even highly qualified professionals in the United States are now facing increasing difficulties in securing jobs.
Although Merz has previously described himself as a strong supporter of transatlantic relations, he has recently become more critical of American policies and leadership.
President Donald Trump previously responded to Merz’s criticism by saying the German leader should focus on solving problems within Germany instead.
Despite his concerns, Merz stated that he still admires the United States, though he admitted his admiration was not increasing under current circumstances.
Conclusion
Friedrich Merz’s remarks reflect growing political and diplomatic tensions between Germany and the United States, while also highlighting broader concerns about economic uncertainty and social changes affecting international relations.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
