Germany's Merz defends NATO spending after Trump calls it 'ridiculous'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday defended his country's NATO defence spending, responding to US President Donald Trump's latest criticism. Trump on his Truth Social platform said Germany's spending was "MUCH LOWER" between 2014 and 2025 compared to the US and other allies, calling it "Ridiculous!"

Merz said Germany would double its defence budget within four years, describing it as the greatest effort ever made to strengthen defence capabilities. He stressed that Germany, as the European Union's largest member state, bears responsibility in Europe and has no reason to shy away from anyone. The chancellor also stated that Germany would reach the 3.5% GDP benchmark set at The Hague by 2029, well ahead of the 2035 deadline.

The comments come ahead of a NATO leaders' meeting in Ankara next week. Trump has repeatedly criticised alliance members' defence spending throughout his political career, and this is not the first time he has targeted Germany. However, unlike during his first term, several European leaders have sought a more amenable approach to the US president this time.

US-European ties have been strained over multiple issues, including Trump's pledges to take control of Greenland, a Danish territory whose owner Denmark is a NATO member. The US-Israeli war in Iran has also been a major wedge: Trump launched the conflict without consulting European allies, who have dealt with the fallout of the Strait of Hormuz closure. Trump has condemned European allies for not joining the war effort. Merz further roiled the president in April by saying the US had been "humiliated" by Iran, prompting Trump to threaten withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany.