German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 15, 2026 [1], that he would not advise his children to live or study in the U.S.
The statement from a top European leader reflects growing concerns over the stability and social cohesion of the U.S., potentially impacting diplomatic perceptions and international academic exchange.
Merz said that the current environment in the U.S. is unsuitable for his children, citing a rapidly changing and deeply polarizing social climate [1]. He said that this instability makes the country less attractive as a destination for those seeking a stable environment for growth and education.
Beyond the social friction, the chancellor pointed to a lack of professional prospects. Merz said that there are limited opportunities in the U.S. even for individuals who are highly educated [1]. This suggests a disconnect between the prestige of American institutions and the actual labor market outcomes for foreign specialists.
"I would not advise my children to go to the United States," Merz said [2].
In a separate statement, Merz clarified his position on the timing of the move. "I would advise my children against living or studying in the United States at the moment," he said [3].
The remarks come at a time when Germany and the U.S. maintain critical security and economic ties. However, the chancellor's personal assessment highlights a perceived decline in the American quality of life and social harmony, factors that often drive the decision for international students and professionals to migrate.
Merz did not specify which sectors of the economy are lacking opportunities, but he linked the decline in appeal to the broader social volatility currently affecting the country [1].
“"I would not advise my children to go to the United States."”
The comments from Chancellor Merz signal a shift in how European leadership views the American Dream. By highlighting social polarization and a lack of professional mobility for the educated, Merz suggests that the U.S. is losing its status as the primary global magnet for talent. This perception could lead to a decrease in European students pursuing U.S. degrees and a shift in the strategic soft power the U.S. has historically wielded over Western allies.
