US ‘not powerful enough to go it alone’, Merz tells Munich conference

The Guardian - World News National SecurityNews ReportEN 2 min read 100% complete by Patrick Wintour in MunichFebruary 13, 2026 at 07:15 PM

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned US President Donald Trump at the Munich Security Conference that the US is not powerful enough to go it alone and has reached the limits of its power. Merz stated that the old order had ended and the international rules-based order was no longer in effect. He emphasized the importance of Europe developing a stronger self-standing security strategy, citing France's nuclear umbrella as an example. Merz also criticized US unilateralism, referencing recent statements and moves by the Trump administration targeting allies. The conference, held on Friday, brought together top global security figures including European leaders and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Merz's speech aimed to set a firm yet conciliatory tone about the future of the transatlantic partnership.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

The culture war of the Maga movement is not ours.

quote — Friedrich Merz90% confidence

Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on several European countries to secure US control of Greenland.

factual — null90% confidence

Merz disclosed he had held initial talks with Emmanuel Macron over joining France’s nuclear umbrella.

factual — null90% confidence

In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone.

quote — Friedrich Merz80% confidence

US acting alone has reached the limits of its power and may already have lost its role as global leader.

quote — Friedrich Merz80% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Denmark 30% JD Vance 30% Greenland 30% Marco Rubio ×240% North Atlantic Treaty Organization ×250% Emmanuel Macron 50% Europe ×260% France ×260% Munich Security Conference ×270% Donald Trump ×270% United States ×480% Friedrich Merz ×490%

Keywords

friedrich merz 100% munich security conference 90% transatlantic partnership 80% european security strategy 70% us unilateralism 70% nato 60% international rules-based order 60% global leadership 60% great power rivalry 50% tariffs 40%