Trump-Merz Meeting: The Agenda in Washington

Today (5.6.25), the German Chancellor is scheduled to visit the White House for a meeting with the U.S. President. This Merz-Trump meeting comes at a critical moment. When Friedrich Merz (CDU) lands in Washington D.C. on Thursday evening, there will be several unresolved conflicts where his visit could have an impact, according to Handelsblatt. Germany, as an exporting nation, is particularly affected by the trade conflict. The potential resolution of the war in Ukraine depends on U.S. commitment. Meanwhile, NATO is being tested by Trump’s isolationism from one side and his imperialistic behavior from the other. No breakthroughs are expected during the roughly two-hour meeting between Merz and Trump. Nevertheless, much is at stake: The goal is to find better ways of cooperation ahead of major summits of G7 and NATO in the coming weeks. How they approach each other and the topics Trump raises during the visit will indicate whether they can come closer in the future. Those close to Merz are cautiously optimistic about the trip. The Chancellor has maintained good relations with Trump so far. They exchange messages regularly and speak informally. Trump has also recently spoken positively about Merz to other world leaders, according to government circles. The Chancellor has prepared a gift for Trump, the contents of which remain highly confidential until the meeting. However, surprises are always expected during Trump’s visits, especially since Trump and Vice President Jay Dee Vance humiliated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of cameras in late February. Tensions on the German side are therefore high. Key areas of conflict between the U.S. and Germany include trade, foreign policy, security policy, and collaboration. Both sides aim to achieve specific goals while navigating complex dynamics.