– I would not recommend my children to go to the United States to pursue an education or work. The reason is the “social climate” (“gesellschaftliches Klima”) that has suddenly developed there, as well as the fact that even highly educated people have major difficulties finding work in the United States. He added that he is a great admirer of America, but “at the moment the admiration cannot be said to be increasing”.
A “barb” directed at Trump
Merz has previously appeared as a transatlanticist and pro-American, but the relationship with President Donald Trump has been strained due to conflicts concerning trade, NATO, Iran, and Ukraine. Trump has previously urged Merz to fix Germany’s own problems (“broken country”) instead of criticising the United States.
“I can’t let my children grow up here” – One of Germany’s top YouTubers leaves the country
Merz used the opportunity to praise Germany as a country with good opportunities for young people. The comments came in a context in which he wished to dampen anxiety among German youth about the future.
The statement has received considerable attention and is being commented upon as an expression of cooler transatlantic relations and a “barb” directed at Trump.