German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday that he would not currently advise his children or other young Germans to live, study, or work in the United States. Speaking at a conference of young Catholics in Würzburg, the conservative leader remarked that he no longer views the US as the land of opportunity.
Merz cited a rapidly changing and deeply polarizing social climate that has suddenly taken hold. He further noted that there are limited opportunities in the US, even for those who are highly educated.
These comments come amid ongoing tensions between Merz and President Donald Trump. The Chancellor previously angered the US President last month by suggesting that the United States was being humiliated in the Iran war.