Strengthening the historical bonds between our nations
H.E. Mr. Nicholas Merrick, Ambassador of the USA
Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
To begin in a traditional way, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am honored to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, representing President Trump and his administration’s agenda here.
Professionally, I bring 40 years of business experience to this post, having traveled extensively and conducted business around the world. On a personal note, I am a proud Texan from Dallas, where I raised my family. I have four children and two grandchildren, and my wife Leslie and I have been married for 37 years. I am a deep admirer of our nation’s history, and my family and I like to stay active. In fact, both of my sons played college football, just like I did at the University of Virginia.
I have spent my career navigating complex commercial environments, and I am incredibly grateful to now apply that background alongside our fantastic embassy team to strengthen the historical bonds between our two nations.
H.E. Mr. Nicholas Merrick and Ms. Leslie Merrick
What inspired you to pursue the role of ambassador?
My decision to step into this diplomatic role was driven by a deep desire to carry out President Trump’s forward-looking agenda and to serve my country in a new way. I believe in the President’s vision for taking America forward, promoting individual freedoms, and enhancing global security.
With decades of business experience, I felt uniquely positioned to transition from the private sector to public service. My mandate here is to help actively shape a relationship that is being progressively modernized and positioned to thrive across multiple sectors. It is a tremendous privilege to use my background to foster closer bilateral alignment on critical matters of shared values, defense capabilities, energy security, and robust commercial growth.
You have been in the Czech Republic for almost a year now. Do you still remember your first impression?
I have been in office for approximately nine months. My very first impression of the Czech Republic dates back to 1993, when my wife and I visited Prague as young, budget-conscious tourists. Returning decades later as ambassador, I approached this posting as an open book, deliberately leaving behind rigid expectations or preconceived thoughts.
I love walking through Prague and enjoying the historic buildings and cobblestone streets. My most immediate impression when I arrived was discovering that the baseline value systems of Czechs and Americans are remarkably similar. We Texans love our independence and the great outdoors; I’ve found that many Czechs share the same passions. Whether prioritizing family or placing deep structural importance on individual identity, the cultural similarities between the United States and the Czech Republic are undeniable.
This shared foundation has served as the absolute bedrock from which all our ongoing diplomatic, defense, and economic collaborations naturally flow.
Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, Ms. Leslie Merrick, and H.E. Mr. Nicholas Merrick
Could you share some of the major moments from your time here so far?
My time as Ambassador has been filled with meaningful milestones that underscore the depth of our bilateral connection. On a historical level, it was an honor to participate in multiple WWII commemoration ceremonies celebrating our shared history and our role in liberating western Czechoslovakia.
I have also had many opportunities to speak to Czech students about the relationship between our two countries, and have been consistently impressed with the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the next generation. Finally, hosting my very first July 4th Independence Day celebration during America’s 250th anniversary, alongside President Pavel, numerous U.S. companies, and our Czech friends, was unforgettable. We even concluded the evening by gathering together to cheer on the Czech team in the World Cup.
Does serving as an ambassador suit your lifestyle?
Serving as ambassador demands full, energetic engagement with government officials, business leaders, other diplomats, and local communities, and that fits well with my active, professional lifestyle. I also really enjoy mentoring younger professionals, so I am enjoying my role as head of the U.S. Embassy as well, where I can support others and help them grow in their careers. Backed by a world-class team here at the embassy, I have been able to translate my commercial expertise into the arena of diplomacy to benefit the American people.
Balancing tough policy negotiations with more cultural events makes the diplomatic lifestyle deeply rewarding and highly aligned with my personal values. For example, I recently threw out the opening pitch at Prague Baseball Week, a fantastic event that represents our shared love of sports like baseball.
What has been the most memorable adventure you have experienced as ambassador?
Professionally, navigating the rapid pace of modern international diplomacy alongside our Czech partners is its own incredible adventure. Working strategically to advance our mutual defense interests, opening up new direct transatlantic flight paths, and finding innovative ways to support U.S.-Czech economic relations presents a daily challenge that requires drawing on every bit of my experience. I have to say, the job of an ambassador, especially in a place like the Czech Republic, presents the opportunity for an incredible range of experiences and adventures every single day. One weekend, I was able to visit an ancient, Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod; the next weekend, I attended the Pitbull concert in Prague.
What is the most surprising challenge you have encountered?
I think the most surprising thing I have encountered as an ambassador – and maybe the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life – is learning the Czech language, with its complicated verb conjugations and noun declensions.
I take weekly language lessons, which have really helped, but it is still a challenge. As is often the case, I have found that the language reflects the culture. And just as the Czech language is deep and complex and difficult to decipher, I have found that the Czech way of thinking is often equally deep and complex. I have loved getting to know Czechs in person and learning how to read that deep Czech psychology and all the subtleties of both the language and culture, while figuring out what makes people tick. It’s been a challenge, but a worthwhile one.
In your view, what is the most difficult part of the ambassadorial role?
The most challenging aspect of this role is navigating tough, frank conversations when close international partners do not immediately see eye-to-eye on strategic matters. Whether addressing discrepancies in defense spending targets, reviewing NATO capability timelines, or managing complex internal political debates, diplomacy can be tough. However, I firmly believe that the mere presence of disagreement is never the sign of an unhealthy relationship. Friends need to be honest with each other. What distinguishes healthy, resilient institutions and allied governments is that we can work constructively through those conflicts together. It takes constant effort to look past short-term geopolitical noise and keep both nations focused on the broader, long-term effort to ensure mutual security and prosperity.
How do you like to spend your free time while living in Prague?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Czechia entertaining visitors and guests from the United States. The Czech Republic is a fantastic travel destination, and many of my friends and relatives from home have used Prague as a springboard to experience everything that this beautiful country has to offer, from historic cities and gorgeous old towns to the incredible natural diversity of your lakes, rivers, and forests. I never get tired of introducing new people to all the incredible things that the Czech Republic has to offer.
The United States is an appealing holiday destination for many Czechs. How do you promote your country here?
Honestly, we do not really need to! American culture – including our music, Hollywood movies, and television shows – all play a part in culture worldwide.
We find that Czechs are often already curious about and interested in the United States, whether it’s from seeing New York City portrayed on television, having grown up watching movies set in the American Wild West, or seen videos from influencers and ordinary people all experiencing and enjoying America’s hospitality during the World Cup. There are also many Czechs who are proud to have relatives and extended family living in the United States, and they are often curious to go experience America for themselves. Given all of that, you could say that America promotes itself without my help. It makes my job as the U.S. Ambassador that much easier.
H.E. Mr. Nicholas Merrick, Ms. Leslie Merrick, and Mr. Karel Havlíček, Deputy PM and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, with guests at the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America’s Independence
What is the current status of Czech – U.S. relations?
The current bilateral relationship is excellent, and Czechia is held in high regard in Washington. I consistently use two specific words to describe our status: the relationship is being modernized, and it is being positioned to thrive.
We are modernizing our security framework through critical defense investments, such as the Czech commitment to next-generation F-35 aircraft. Economically, the relationship is thriving through immense commercial linkages; hundreds of U.S. companies operate here, while significant Czech investments are flowing directly into the United States. Furthermore, our government-to-government cooperation is rock solid. We applaud Czechia’s decisive leadership in turning entirely away from Russian gas, as well as its vital contributions to the regional ammunition initiative.
This interview coincides with a major anniversary your country is celebrating. What are your wishes for the United States at this moment?
As we celebrate the milestone of 250 years of American independence, I look back with admiration for the 56 founding fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. These men were winners under the existing system, yet they willingly risked everything to achieve the noble ideal of self-rule. My primary wish for the United States is that we remain fiercely dedicated to those enduring values of freedom and democracy while fully embracing the global responsibilities that come with being a living democracy. I wish for our nation to continue its steady journey along the highway toward a more perfect union. I hope we always maintain our patriotic spirit, keeping our communities safe, clean, and vibrant for future generations. We need to continue to educate others about our history and carry that knowledge forward. I’ve found a similar and equally inspirational spirit here in the Czech Republic.
And what are your wishes for the Czech Republic?
I wish the Czech Republic continued prosperity, security, and unwavering strength as a premier ally of the United States. Our two countries share over 170 years of common experiences, from early Czech settlers in Texas to the shared democratic visions of President Masaryk and Woodrow Wilson. I hope the Czech people maintain their deep pride, strong identity, and commitment to core values.
Looking ahead, I wish for the successful realization of your defense modernization goals within NATO. Developing robust, credible capabilities is the single most critical factor in achieving the deterrence required to stand up to hostile predator nations, bring a lasting diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, and guarantee permanent peace and freedom across Central Europe.
Finally, let us return to the uniquely strong bond between your home state of Texas and the Czech Republic. What makes this connection so meaningful in your view?
I am always proud to put in a special plug for Texas because our historical and modern bonds are uniquely strong. Texas is home to the largest population of Czech immigrants in the United States, meaning our cultures are deeply intertwined. This history has manifested in powerful modern partnerships, such as our active State National Guard partnership. Most importantly, we have proven that we are there for each other in times of crisis. When Texas suffered severe flooding last year, Czech searchand-rescue teams deployed to assist us, just as Texas guardsmen previously deployed here during historic floods. It is a beautiful, tangible example of our shared values, responsibility, and community action in real-time.