Russia

US cannot trust Merz’s words — Trump’s envoy

TASS English · 2026-09-15

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Richard Grenell, the US presidential envoy for special missions, stated that the United States cannot trust German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's words regarding NATO obligations. • Why it matters: Grenell's comments highlight tensions between the US and Germany over defense spending commitments, which could impact NATO unity and transatlantic relations. • What to watch next: Monitor further statements from US officials and the German government regarding NATO commitments and any potential diplomatic repercussions.

US cannot trust Merz’s words — Trump’s envoy "Merz is mad that Americans want the German government to pay its NATO obligations," Richard Grenell saidWASHINGTON, September 15. /TASS/. The United States cannot trust the words of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, US presidential envoy for special missions Richard Grenell said. "Merz is mad that Americans want the German government to pay its NATO obligations. It’s clear we can’t trust Merz’s words. He says one thing in Berlin and another in Washington," Grenell wrote on his X social media page, commenting on the German chancellor’s criticism of US President Donald Trump. "And too many German media outlets allow this duplicity to go on without outing it," Grenell added. He served as US ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020. In addition, Grenell served as acting US Director of National Intelligence in 2020. 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Source: TASS English
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