Markus Frohnmaier, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) foreign policy spokesman, has sharply criticised Friedrich Merz, accusing the Chancellor of irresponsibly and needlessly attacking US President Donald Trump – reported Die Welt.
The right-wing MP stated: “Anyone who for years has taken American security guarantees for granted while Germany is militarily unable to defend itself should not be surprised if the Americans increase the pressure in return.”
Regarding Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw all American troops from the country, he warned: “Germany is currently reliant on American deterrence in security terms, and will not be able to replace this capacity independently in the medium term either.”
The article recalls that the increasingly heated public exchange between Merz and Trump has been going on for more than a week, beginning with the Chancellor’s criticism of the United States’ role in the Iran conflict, which provoked Trump’s anger.
The American president has meanwhile indicated concrete steps: “The United States is currently reviewing a possible reduction in troop numbers in Germany,” he wrote on Truth Social, adding that a decision on the matter could be made soon.
According to Frohnmaier, the current situation shows that Germany remains heavily dependent on Washington, so Merz would do well – in the interest of the country’s security – not to anger the US president even further.
