German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed back sharply on Tuesday against a recent attack on European democracies from the Trump administration, after Washington released a controversial national security document warning that Europe faces a “civilizational extinction.”
The U.S. National Security Strategy, published last week, triggered alarm across Europe. The document accused European governments of undermining democratic processes and argued that American policy should involve “cultivating resistance” within the European Union—a formulation seen in many EU capitals as an extraordinary breach of diplomatic norms.
The language echoed earlier criticism from senior administration figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance, and highlighted worsening tensions between Washington and Europe.
Speaking during a visit to Rhineland-Palatinate, Merz said parts of the U.S. assessment were understandable, while others were “unacceptable from a European perspective.”
“I see no need for Americans to think they must now save democracy in Europe. If democracy ever needed saving, we would manage that ourselves,” Merz stated firmly.
European leaders, including Merz, have acknowledged that Europe must rebuild its military capabilities after decades of underinvestment that left the continent heavily dependent on the United States for defense. Still, they must walk a careful line—responding to the Trump administration’s unusually harsh rhetoric without alienating their most powerful ally.
“What this means for our security cooperation is undoubtedly the most important question,” Merz added.
“This reinforces my view that Europe—and therefore Germany—must become far more independent from the United States in matters of security policy.”
Merz also noted that President Trump, whose grandfather emigrated from Germany, is expected to visit the country next year.
