US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating he is doing a 'terrible job' managing key domestic issues such as immigration and energy. During an event at the Oval Office, Trump urged Merz to focus on fixing Germany instead of interfering with US efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He questioned Merz's effectiveness in addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and suggested that the Chancellor should prioritize ending the war. Trump's remarks come amid discussions about a potential reduction of US troops stationed in Germany, which has caught the Pentagon off guard. A congressional aide indicated that the Pentagon was not prepared for such a drawdown, but they take Trump's statements seriously due to his previous actions during his first term. Merz has responded by suggesting that the Trump administration is being outmaneuvered in negotiations with Iran, highlighting the increasing rift between the two leaders.