New US ambassador arrives in Prague with security pledge and Texas kolaches

Nicholas Merrick, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, said Thursday he plans to focus on strengthening shared security and defense while deepening economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Merrick, whose nomination was approved by the U.S. Senate earlier this month, presented his credentials to Czech President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle.

“The friendship between the United States and the Czech Republic runs deep,” Merrick said, emphasizing that both nations are united by shared values and democratic principles.

“The Czech Republic is an unwavering NATO ally and a strong supporter of Ukraine.” He added that he intends to help modernize NATO capabilities and work toward the alliance’s goal of 5 percent readiness.

The NATO summit in The Hague in June agreed to increase member countries’ defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, with 3.5 percent allocated to traditional military spending and the remainder to areas including infrastructure, cybersecurity, and societal resilience. Merrick praised Czechia for meeting its current NATO commitment of 2 percent.

Merrick also expressed confidence that the newly forming Czech government, led by the ANO movement in coalition with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists, will manage defense funding responsibly. Former Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar said the coalition supports increased defense spending but emphasized that funds must be used efficiently.

Merrick’s nomination was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in February. At the time, Trump described Merrick as a respected businessman and educator who ran the USD 1.6 billion family office of Kenny and Lisa Troutt and served as CFO for publicly traded telecommunications companies and on several large pension boards.

In a lighter moment, a video posted to Facebook shows Merrick and his wife arriving in Prague carrying a box of Texas kolaches.

In the clip, Merrick said, “Czechia is a country I greatly admire. Learning about its history, resilience, and innovative spirit has already made a deep impression on me.” He added that it is an honor to be nominated by President Trump to serve as the United States ambassador.