BERLIN — Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on Sunday that the United States will not be stationing Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany for the foreseeable future. Speaking in an interview with the public broadcaster ARD, the Chancellor clarified that the delay is due to logistical constraints rather than a diplomatic fallout with Washington. According to Merz, the United States currently does not possess enough surplus stock for its own requirements, making the supply of such long-range weapons systems objectively impossible at this time.
The deployment of these Tomahawks was originally promised in 2024 by then-President Joe Biden. The missiles, which possess a range capable of reaching Russian territory, were intended to bridge a critical security gap and strengthen Germany’s deterrent capabilities until European nations can develop their own equivalent systems. Despite this setback, Merz emphasized that there are no compromises regarding U.S. nuclear sharing. He stated firmly that there is no doubt whatsoever concerning the U.S. commitment to nuclear deterrence within the NATO area.
Addressing President Donald Trump’s Friday announcement to withdraw more than 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, the Chancellor characterized the move as nothing new. He noted that the specific contingent in question had been stationed on a temporary basis by the Biden administration and that their withdrawal had been a topic of discussion for quite some time. While acknowledging the news may be perceived as a significant shift, he described the reaction as an exaggeration of a pre-existing plan.
The Chancellor also took the opportunity to address the recent public friction between Berlin and the White House. He denied any direct connection between Trump’s military decisions and his own recent criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Merz had previously sparked a series of angry responses from President Trump after suggesting that Iran had humiliated the U.S. at the negotiating table. In response, Trump had labeled Merz’s leadership as terrible and ineffective regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.
Despite the exchange of sharp rhetoric, Merz maintained that he remains committed to improving transatlantic relations. He expressed his intention to continue working with Donald Trump, even while accepting that the U.S. President holds differing opinions on strategic matters. The Chancellor reiterated his conviction that the United States remains Germany’s most important partner within the North Atlantic Alliance, signaling a desire to stabilize the partnership despite the current geopolitical turbulence.
