‘I Wouldn’t Recommend It’: German Chancellor Advises Children Against Studying In US

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 11:14 IST

The remarks come amid rising tensions between the US and its European allies over trade disputes and the wars in Ukraine and Iran, which have strained the NATO alliance.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said he would not advise his children to study or live in the United States, pointing to what he described as a changing social environment and fewer opportunities even for highly educated people.

Speaking at a Catholic convention in Wuerzburg, Merz urged Germans not to think in “disaster mode" about global developments and instead remain confident about Germany’s future.

“I firmly believe that there are few countries in the world that offer such great opportunities, especially for young people, as Germany," he said.

“I wouldn’t recommend that my children go to the US today, get their education there, and work there, simply because a social climate has suddenly developed there," said Merz, a 70-year-old father of three.

“Today, the best-educated people in America have great difficulty finding a job."

His remarks come amid growing tensions between the US and European allies under US President Donald Trump over trade issues and the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, which have put pressure on the NATO alliance.

Last month, Merz had said the US was being humiliated in the Iran war, drawing criticism from Trump. Days later, Washington announced a partial withdrawal of troops from Germany.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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