Merz and Trump: A new chapter for Germany and the USA?

Merz and Trump: A new chapter for Germany and the USA?

Washington, USA - Friedrich Merz, the new CDU leader, struck optimistic tones after his first personal meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House. In a press conference, Merz said that a solid foundation was laid for future personal and political discussions. However, the atmosphere of his visit was overshadowed by the public feud between Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, which seemed strange, while Merz took the background in the Oval Office, while Trump spoke about US interior policy. Surprisingly, Merz was able to establish a special connection to Trump, who also compliments and assured him that he wanted to maintain a good relationship with Germany.

Trump emphasizes that Germany is no longer regarded as a "beating boy" in his policy, but praises the increase in defense spending by Germany. Trump is also ready to continue to leave US troops in Germany if this is desired. For his part, Merz emphasizes that he is working on a reduction in tensions in the customs dispute with the US

diplomatic challenges and Ukraine conflict

The diplomatic efforts to solve the Ukraine conflict were also unsuccessful. Trump compared the situation with a dispute between children and suggested that the two "struggle" before you intervene. Merz called for more pressure on Russia from the United States to end the war and confirmed that Germany is on the side of Ukraine. While Trump explained his own strategy regarding Russia and the war in Ukraine, there were significant differences in the views between the two politicians.

Both heads of state recognized the need to end the war, but could not agree on a common solution. Trump reported that he had asked Vladimir Putin not to react to an attack, which he ignored.

economy and NATO

The meeting between Merz and Trump also included discussions about trade questions and NATO's defense spending. Merz sees himself as a responsibility to stabilize the German economy that has shrunk in the past two years. He also plans to maintain the help for building his own long -range rocket systems to support Ukraine. This happens against the background that Germany is the second largest military aid supplier for Ukraine.

Another point was Trump's demand for a defense spending rate of at least 5 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) from NATO allies. Merz and Trump have made calls several times in the past few months and will meet again at the G7 summit in Canada and at the NATO summit in the Haag.

Merz presented Trump a gold -framed certificate of birth from his grandfather, who immigrated from Germany. This was a symbolic moment that underlined the connection between the two countries. Merz also plans to guide Trump to Kallstadt when visiting Germany to further strengthen personal relationships.