German politicians have reacted with fury after the U.S. ambassador criticised Berlin's plans to cut defence spending.
Richard Grenell slammed Germany's 'worrisome' budget plans which would see military outlays fall well below the NATO target of two per cent of GDP.
His comments were the latest flashpoint in a long-running row with Donald Trump, who has accused NATO allies of expecting a 'free ride' on Washington's military might.
Grenell - who has frequently clashed with Berlin - is now facing calls to be expelled as U.S. envoy.
German politicians have reacted with fury after the U.S. ambassador, Richard Grenell (pictured), criticised Berlin's plans to cut defence spending below NATO targets
Wolfgang Kubicki of the liberal FDP party demanded that Grenell be declared 'persona non grata', Der Spiegel reported.
'Someone who acts like the high commissioner of an occupying power needs to learn that there are limits to our tolerance,' he said.
Social Democratic Party whip Carsten Schneider called Grenell a 'brat' and a 'total diplomatic failure', according to German media.
His party colleague Johannes Kahrs said it was 'unbelievable who can become a U.S. ambassador these days'.
Fellow SPD member Ralf Stegner said: 'Mr Grenell behaves in the way you expect from the Trump administration: uncouth, boorish and politically unsuited to the role.
'Our relationship with the U.S. is more important than Trump or Grenell.'
Left Party MP Helin Evrim Sommer said: 'The expulsion of the Trumpist Grenell from Germany is overdue.
'Someone who meddles in the internal affairs of other states like a feudal lord disqualifies themselves as a U.S. ambassador'.
