France, Germany Slam US Strategy, Warn of Transatlantic Rift

• France and Germany criticized the new US National Security Strategy, warning of a transatlantic rift.
• German Chancellor Merz called parts "unacceptable," citing US accusations that Europe undermines liberty and stifles free speech.
• Merz emphasized Europe's need for greater security policy independence from the US.
• French Minister Rufo described the strategy as a "brutal clarification" and urged Europe to accelerate rearmament.
• The US strategy accuses Europe of suppressing free speech, undermining liberty, and suggests cultivating resistance within the EU, raising concerns about NATO.

Why It Matters: US security strategy deeply strains transatlantic relations and European unity.