Donald Trump didn’t mince words when discussing Angela Merkel’s past refugee policies, slamming the former German chancellor for letting in a massive wave of migrants. Speaking to current chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said bluntly: “I told her it shouldn’t have happened.”
During their joint appearance on Thursday, Trump was questioned about the travel bans he had just announced for 19 countries. But instead of sticking to that topic, he pivoted quickly to Germany’s refugee situation, linking it to past violent incidents.
“We’re trying to stop dangerous individuals from entering the U.S.,” he said, before throwing shade at Merz: “Looks like you’ve got a bit of a situation too, thanks to who you let in.”
Merz responded with a brief “Yes, we do,” allowing Trump to continue his critique. “It wasn’t your doing,” Trump said, “but I told her not to do it. She went ahead anyway, and now you’re dealing with the aftermath—same as us.”
Though he avoided saying Merkel’s name, it was clear Trump was referencing her controversial open-border policy that let in approximately one million refugees, mostly from Syria and Iraq. That decision sparked political backlash and was a sore point during her 2017 visit to Trump’s White House, where she was confronted over the issue.
Merz’s trip to Washington had stirred anxiety in Berlin, with concerns he might face one of Trump’s signature public showdowns—like those endured by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. But this time, the heat was directed solely at Merkel, whom Trump also criticized for backing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a controversial energy link between Russia and Europe.
The 35-minute press conference was dominated by Trump’s monologue, with Merz barely getting in a word—which, according to some German analysts, may have come as a relief to his team, worried about possible criticism from Trump on defense and immigration.
When Merz did speak, he aimed the spotlight at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling for an end to the conflict and demanding accountability for Vladimir Putin. He also challenged Trump’s stance that both Ukraine and Russia were equally at fault.
“Mr. President, I hope we can talk later about steps we can take together to end this war,” Merz said. “We all want peace—and the tools to make that happen.”
He reminded the audience of America’s past role in global conflicts, noting that the following day would mark 81 years since D-Day, when U.S. forces joined Allied troops in Normandy to defeat the Nazis.
“America has always led in moments like these,” he said, calling Trump the “central figure” with enough influence to apply real pressure on Russia and help bring the war to an end.
Trump applauded Germany’s recent pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, something past U.S. administrations had long requested.
Asked by a journalist if Germany was finally “doing enough on defense,” Trump replied: “You're spending more now. That’s a good thing.” Then, with a trademark jab, he added, “Not sure General MacArthur would’ve called it ‘positive,’ though,” referencing the famed Allied commander.
Ahead of the meeting, Merz reportedly sought advice from global leaders who’ve met Trump recently, hoping to navigate the former president’s unpredictable style.
By contrast, Merkel once admitted to prepping for her first meeting with Trump by reading a decades-old Playboy interview with him and binge-watching episodes of The Apprentice.
During his visit, Merz stayed at Blair House, the U.S. government's official guest residence—a signal of warm relations. The two men now address each other on a first-name basis, highlighting their growing diplomatic rapport.
As a gesture of goodwill, Merz gifted Trump a gold-framed copy of his grandfather Friedrich Trump’s birth certificate, who emigrated from Germany in 1885. He also gave Trump a book titled “News from the Land of Freedom – German Immigrants Write Home,” a collection of letters from German émigrés in America to relatives back home.
“Just a small token to remind him of his roots,” said Merz, who also invited Trump to visit his grandfather’s hometown in Germany.
Description:
"Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizes Angela Merkel’s refugee policy during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump praises Germany’s defense spending increase, discusses the Ukraine conflict, and receives a symbolic gift tied to his German heritage."