Merz’s Munich Message
At the Munich Security Conference German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took aim at President Donald Trump and argued that America’s claim to global leadership “has been challenged, and possibly squandered.” Merz, speaking mostly in German, warned a rift has opened between Europe and the United States and emphasized that Europe sees limits on speech when it conflicts with human dignity and its constitution. He positioned Nazi era laws and modern European values as a bulwark against what his speech described as excesses of political movements abroad.
Direct Words for American Audiences
Merz switched to English to address U.S. listeners and stressed that in an era of great power rivalry no single nation can go it alone. He framed NATO as a mutual advantage, saying being part of the alliance is both Europe’s and America’s competitive edge. He also repeated a European preference for free trade and warned against tariffs and protectionism, signaling real policy differences rather than personal attacks.
Other European Reactions
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder added his voice accusing President Donald Trump of showing disrespect toward Europe and asked for a little more mutual respect. Social media posted clips and commentary from the conference and reactions ranged from puzzled to outraged. Critics on the right pointed out European governments already limit certain speech in the name of human dignity and said Merz’s claim of free speech protections sounded inconsistent.
Why Conservatives Should Care
This debate matters because it reveals differing views on sovereignty, free speech, and economic policy. Europe’s insistence on speech limits and multilateralism contrasts with America’s push for stronger national positioning. Voters and leaders need clarity on where cooperation helps and where it masks policy disagreements. If you care about free speech and national independence you should follow these transatlantic tensions closely.
🇩🇪 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
"A divide has opened up between Europe and the United States […] Freedom of speech here ends where the words spoken are directed against human dignity and our basic law. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade." pic.twitter.com/93jzLmJxHM
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 13, 2026
Listening to German Chancellor Merz is just bizarre. The Europeans live in a bizarre fantasy world.
1) He thinks German censorship of anything they disagree with is actually "free speech". They use phrases like "human dignity", but it really just means anything they disagree… pic.twitter.com/nx9bnbASex
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) February 13, 2026
Together for a strong Europe. pic.twitter.com/fSLu37pQgd
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) February 13, 2026
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
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