Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz will meet for the first time on Thursday, except from a short encounter in New York years ago. They are already in a first-name relationship and have exchanged private cell phone numbers.
Friedrich Merz, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)’s new German chancellor, is in Washington for the first time. Merz has been asked to stay in Blair House, which is just next to the White House, much like previous chancellors Angela Merkel, British Queen Elizabeth, and French President Charles de Gaulle did before him.
Only a few weeks earlier, Merz loudly criticised the U.S. president for publicly mocking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and accusing him of being responsible for Russia’s war on his nation in March. Vice President JD Vance and other Trump allies were also criticized by Merz for their endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD).
The war in Ukraine, the tariff disputes, and the subject of Europe’s role in its own security are expected to be the three main topics of discussion in Washington.
What defence commitments is Germany now pledging?
Merz may now list a few accomplishments in the area of security. Trump has threatened to remove US protection and has lamented the poor defence expenditure of various European NATO members, particularly Germany. Merz can now state that Germany is preparing a significant military build-up: the country will eventually devote 5% of its GDP to defence, with 3.5% going directly to the military and 1.5% to infrastructure connected to defence.
Berlin also aspires to take on a stronger leadership role in the EU. In an effort to show that the EU was willing to abide by the US demand that it take responsibility for its own security issues, Merz organised a trip to Ukraine by the heads of state of Berlin, Paris, London, and Poland to show solidarity. In return, Merz and other EU leaders hope to work with the US to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
How does Merz plan to handle tariff tensions?
Since trade policy is an EU issue, Merz is unable to negotiate on tariffs. However, trade restrictions are severely hurting Germany as an exporting country. US import taxes on European steel and aluminium jumped to 50% on the day Merz left. Both parties will probably be urged by the chancellor to prevent a worsening trade war in which everyone loses. Friedrich Merz is a strong proponent of transatlanticism. He will probably attempt to persuade Donald Trump that the US’s continued commitment to Europe serves his personal interests as well.
Can Merz revive transatlantic cooperation with Trump?
A new foreign policy strategy has also been developed with the new federal government, which has been formed. Annalena Baerbock, the former foreign minister for the Green Party, was occasionally attacked for her condescending and moralising style.
Even with challenging allies like the Trump administration, the new administration now seeks to concentrate more on shared interests and reaching agreements.
There are many disputes between the US and Germany, and Donald Trump and Friedrich Merz are rather different people. However, Merz is adamant about having a candid dialogue with Trump. Friedrich Merz has extended an invitation to the US president to travel to his ancestral home, following in the footsteps of former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Before immigrating to the US, Trump’s grandpa, Friedrich Trump, was born and raised in the German wine-growing hamlet of Kallstadt in the Palatinate area.
