Merz meets Trump: an important visit to the White House!

Merz meets Trump: an important visit to the White House!

Washington, USA - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) arrived on June 5, 2025 for an important inaugural visit to Washington. Shortly after midnight (local time) he ended up in the town and stayed in the Blair House, the guest house of the White House. The visit takes a total of about 17 hours. Merz 'main conversation partner is US President Donald Trump, with whom he maintains a personal relationship that shows up in regular phone calls and SMS. Merz speaks to Trump with "Donald" and has the direct cell phone number of the president.

In preparation for this meeting, Merz got advice from various heads of state and government. The consultants include Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as Giorgia Meloni and Jonas Gahr Støre. An outstanding tip he received emphasizes the importance of the first 30 seconds of a conversation, a strategy that Merz would like to put into practice when meeting Trump.

planned topics of conversation

The agenda includes central topics such as tariffs, the location in Ukraine and the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Merz plans to clearly point out the need for higher defense spending in order to increase NATO quota to 5%, which Trump favores. Special focus is also on the support of Ukraine, since Merz wants to put pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire, while Trump has called for a reduction in military aid for Ukraine.

The customs dispute between the USA and the EU is also addressed, in particular the tariffs imposed by Trump on steel and aluminum, which have been doubled to 50%. Merz will try to find a balance in the discussion, while on the other hand, the Israeli warfare in the Gaza Strip is also distant from the US position.

press conference and diplomatic relationships

The meeting in the White House begins at 5:30 p.m. (CEST) and includes a conversation in four eyes, followed by a lunch together. At around 7:30 p.m. (MESZ) there is a press blessing on which Trump's close consultants such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Foreign Minister Mark Rubio will take part.

Meanwhile, politicians from various parties see the visit as "extraordinarily important". CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter emphasizes how crucial it is to build a personal connection to Trump. SPD politician Metin Hakverdi emphasizes Merz ’self-confidence and the German efforts with regard to higher defense spending. CDU general secretary Carsten Linnemann also hopes for progress in the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and the USA, despite existing tensions.

With this visit, Merz should not only deepen the bilateral relationships, but also signal that Germany is willing to take on a more active role in transatlantic matters, especially with regard to the upcoming G7 and NATO summit.