German leader Merz says he ‘would not advise my children to go’ to US

Key Points:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concerns about the current social and economic climate in the US, advising against his children studying or working there, citing difficulties even for highly educated Americans to find jobs.
• Merz emphasized optimism about Germany's potential, urging citizens to avoid a pessimistic outlook and highlighting Germany as a country with significant opportunities for youth.
• His remarks sparked strong backlash from former Trump advisor Richard Grenell, who accused Merz of inconsistency and being influenced by German media, and from far-right German politician Alice Weidel, who criticized Merz's leadership domestically.
• The comments come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Europe over trade, military aid for Ukraine, and recent US actions such as troop withdrawals from Germany and tariff increases on EU car imports.
• Merz, facing low approval ratings, has maintained his critical stance on US policy and the Iran conflict while expressing commitment to improving transatlantic relations.