The new German chancellor has already clashed publicly with members of the Trump administration over their interference in German politics.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance both attacked Berlin over the German intelligence agency’s labelling of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a “proven right-wing extremist organization.” Trump ally Elon Musk has been among the AfD’s highest-profile boosters internationally.
In response, Merz said U.S. officials should butt out. “We have largely stayed out of the American election campaign in recent years, and that includes me personally,” Merz said. The chancellor added he had told U.S. officials: “We have not taken sides with either candidate. And I ask you to accept that in return.”