Merz draws applause after mocking Trump during speech on migrants

During his address at the Christian Democratic Union congress, Friedrich Merz went beyond presenting statistics on curbing irregular migration and briefly imitated US President Donald Trump, drawing laughter from the audience.

Merz recounts call with Trump

A key moment of the event in the state of Hesse was the chancellor’s account of a recent phone call with Trump. Merz said he informed the US leader that Germany had significantly tightened border controls and reduced asylum applications by 60%.

According to Merz, Trump reacted with disbelief at the scale of the reduction.

To recreate the exchange, the German chancellor switched to English and mimicked Trump’s tone, exclaiming, "What did you say? 60%? I don’t believe it!"

The brief impersonation prompted sustained applause and laughter in the hall. Merz added that he plans to clarify the figures in person during their upcoming meeting in Washington.

Germany's new course: work instead of welfare

Behind the humor, Friedrich Merz delivered a firm political message on migration policy.

He reiterated that his government is shifting its approach:

• Germany remains open to those who come to work, respect the law, and integrate into society.

• No tolerance for abuse: the country will no longer accept what he described as "welfare tourism" or the use of state benefits without a genuine intention to join the German labor market.

The speech was framed not only as an appeal to domestic voters but also as a signal to international partners: Germany intends to regain control over its borders and defend its policy changes, even in conversations with influential global figures.