Merz Calls Trump’s New Europe Strategy ‘Unacceptable’. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz slammed parts of President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling sections of it “unacceptable” from a European perspective. Merz said some elements were understandable, but he rejected the idea that the U.S. should take on the role of “saving democracy in Europe,” insisting Europeans could handle that themselves. Trump’s strategy warned that Europe faces “civilizational erasure” due to migration from Muslim-majority and non-European countries, a claim that sparked backlash among EU leaders. The document also suggested the U.S. might support ideologically aligned “patriotic European parties,” which Trump reinforced in a new POLITICO podcast interview. Merz expressed concern that the strategy signals a broader U.S. geopolitical realignment, emphasizing that Europe must become more autonomous in defense and security. Speaking from Rhineland-Palatinate — home to most of the 35,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany — Merz said the tone of the strategy did not surprise him but strengthened his view on EU independence. He reminded Washington that “America first” is understandable, but “America alone” is not in U.S. interests, urging the U.S. to treat Europe, or at least Germany, as a partner. Merz confirmed that Trump accepted an invitation to visit Germany next year, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite tensions.