German chancellor says he’s not ‘giving up on working with Donald Trump’

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 3 he would not give up on working with US President Donald Trump, despite a spat between the leaders over the ongoing conflict in Iran.



"I am not giving up on working on the transatlantic relationship," Mr Merz told public broadcaster ARD in an interview set to air on the night of May 3. "Nor am I giving up on working with Donald Trump."



Mr Merz sought to downplay any tensions with Mr Trump, arguing, for instance, that an abrupt public announcement that the US would pull 5,000 troops from bases in Germany was not surprising and should not be seen as retaliation.



"It may be being exaggerated a bit, but it's not new," Mr Merz told talk show host Caren Miosga.



Criticism of the US-Israeli war against Iran from Mr Merz and other European leaders has clearly aggravated Mr Trump. The latest rift came after Mr Merz said on April 27 that Iran was "humiliating" Washington at the negotiating table.



That provoked a series of angry responses from Washington, including Mr Trump's comments that Mr Merz was doing a "terrible" job as chancellor.