"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Friday that Europe may no longer have American support, as the rift between the two sides widened after repeated calls by Donald Trump for his NATO allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "If the United States of America are the way it is, and if Donald Trump is the way he is, then I say, yes, it may be that this transatlantic partnership is undergoing a profound change," Merz stated during a CDU rally in Bad Duerkheim ahead of the Rhineland-Palatinate state election. "It may be that we no longer have the Americans on our side without any restrictions," he persisted, stressing, "I do not want to give up this transatlantic partnership, ladies and gentlemen, and I will fight to ensure that it is maintained. And I want to fight, despite all odds, for us to reach an understanding with the Americans." In June 2025, NATO countries pledged to increase their defence budgets to up to 5 percent of GDP during the annual alliance summit in The Hague. "The NATO summit in The Hague last June would have been the last in this composition if we had not taken the lead and ensured that we finally fulfil the commitment," Merz revealed. Justifying the measure, the chancellor claimed the step was long overdue for Europe to defend itself, citing the February 2025 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. "At that moment, it was clear that we need to do more for our defence and that we also need to regain some of our self-confidence," he remarked. "Why do we belittle ourselves so much? We could be much stronger if we stand together." The comments come after Trump lamented NATO members on Friday for their lack of support in the US-Israel war on Iran, calling the group 'cowards'."