In an assertive move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to double Germany's defense budget over the next four years, addressing criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding NATO spending. This decision comes ahead of a scheduled meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara next week. Trump, known for his consistent critique of NATO members' defense spending throughout his political career, has described the current balance as "ridiculous" and "one-sided." Merz emphasized that this increased investment is part of Germany's greatest effort to bolster its defensive capabilities and underscored Germany's responsibility within Europe. The US-EU relations have faced strains during Trump's tenure, with disagreements over issues such as the proposed takeover of Greenland by the US and the US-Israeli war in Iran. Despite these tensions, European leaders have been seeking a more conciliatory approach towards the president recently. In 2014, NATO leaders had agreed to strive for spending 3.5% of their GDP on core defense items by 2035, an increase from the previous goal of 2%. However, relations have since soured over various issues. Merz has been vocal in his critiques of Trump's policies, most notably accusing Iran of humiliating the US. In response, Trump announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops stationed in Germany. Despite these challenges, Merz is confident that Germany will reach the agreed-upon 3.5% benchmark set by NATO as early as 2029, marking a significant step towards enhanced security and cooperation within the alliance.