Today (5.6.25) the Federal Chancellor’s visit is scheduled, Friedrich Mertz to the White House with the US President Donald Trump in the White House.
The Mertz -Trump meeting takes place at a critical time. When Friedrich Mertz (CDUs) land in Washington on Thursday night, there will be several unresolved clashes on which his visit could have an impact, according to Handelsblatt.
Germany as an export country is particularly influenced by the trade conflict. The possible settlement of war in Ukraine depends on the US commitment. And NATO is tested by Trump’s isolationism on the one hand and his imperialist behavior on the other.
No sections are expected in the approximately two hours that the meeting between Mertz and Trump is expected. Nevertheless, there are many at stake: it is a way to find a way of better cooperation – and in the context of the preparation of the major summit of the G7 and NATO states in the coming weeks. The way they deal with each other and the issues that Trump will raise during the visit will say a lot about whether or not they can come closer to the future.
Those close to Mertz are restrained optimistic for the trip. Chancellor has a good relationship with Trump so far. They send messages to each other and talk to the singular. The US president has also recently spoken positively about Mertz to other heads of state, according to government circles. The Federal Chancellor has also prepared a gift for Trump, whose content is extremely confidential until the meeting.
However, surprises have always been expected during Trump’s visits, not only since Trump and Vice President Jay Di Vans humiliated Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski in front of the cameras in late February. The tension on the German side is therefore high. Mertz has been preparing for this meeting for weeks.
The most important areas of conflict between the US and Germany – and what the two sides want from each other:
1. Trade
This is what Merz wants to achieve
So far, the Chancellor is rather restrained in her public reactions to Trump’s threats to duties. However, the issue will surely be on the table of their meal.
The strategy of the German government is to remain cool and to divergent, but at the same time to show determination and, above all, to speak in a voice in favor of the EU.
To this end, Merz has close cooperation with the chairman of the Ursula von der Leyen committee. Initially, the Federal Chancellor wanted to bring specific proposals, but this seems to be left to the EU Committee.
However, Merz’s goal is to direct trade talks in a constructive direction and make it clear that the EU and the US are not opponents but allies and should remain so. This was also stressed by Foreign Minister Johann Vadiful at an event in Berlin on Tuesday: The US and the EU share the same “Values of Freedom, Democracy and Self -determination” And therefore they must be strong partners.
This is what Trump wants to achieve
The punitive duties, as Trump’s ministers recently suggested, ‘They came to stay’. This means that Germany must be prepared for a certain percentage of duties that will remain in force even after a possible trade agreement between the US and the EU. The deadline to which such an agreement can be negotiated is July 9th today.
Trump wants to be sure of one thing above all during this period: investment, investment, investment. German automakers are working in the background on precisely this issue in order to achieve tariff exemptions. The US president will want to hear from Merz that German companies are ready to produce and invest in the US on a large scale.
Approach
Approaching is difficult. Protectionism is the central element of Trump’s agenda. As US duties imported as a result of controversial emergency legislation can be legally affected, Trump is now increasingly focused on duties that are likely to stand in court. Car duties could be one of them, so Trump is unlikely to abandon them. On Wednesday, it increased duties on steel and aluminum.
2. Foreign and security policy
This is exactly what Merz wants to achieve: During his visit, the German Chancellor will most likely show her appreciation and appreciation for US contribution to NATO and the War in Ukraine in order to keep Trump happy and continue to have him as an ally.
Mertz will be able to present a great unity, especially with regard to the 5% goal: in view of the threat of Russia, the Federal CDU – SPD government supports the voluntary commitment of NATO states to increase their defensive costs to 5% of economic production by 20% of economic production by 20%. However, the Federal Chancellor is also likely to try to persuade Trump to increase pressure on Russia and tighten sanctions.
This is what Trump wants to achieve: The fact that Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, wants to spend significantly more than before equipment and defense, finds the US government extremely in line. Therefore, this visit should no longer concern games with numbers, as was the case in the past, but rather Trump should receive a reflection of Germany’s gratitude and the mood for a new beginning.
In addition to the estimate, it also wants to receive messages that Europe is ready to take responsibility. As for sanctions against Russia, Trump has so far been skeptical. However, there is already strong US Senate support for a new sanctions package started by Republican Senator Lindsay Graham.
Approach capabilities
The approach capabilities are quite good at the moment, though it remains to be seen how Trump will really behave at the upcoming G7 (mid June) summit and at the NATO summit (late June). Conflict issues, such as Trump’s desire to integrate Greenland, could be excluded from both sides. However, Germany’s recent move to review weapons exports to Israel was negatively addressed to the US government. It is very likely that Trump’s team will let her dissatisfaction be heard about it.
3. Cooperation
What does Mertz want to succeed
Trump never did well with Angela Merkel (CDU) and Allf Saltz (SPD): The former German Chancellor was overly hesitant and ethical to him. On the other hand, it does not withstand the beggars. Things are expected to get better with Friedrich Mertz. They have exchanged mobile phone numbers, send regular text messages to each other and address each other as “Friedrich” and “Donald”. “The two have developed a good relationship in the first few weeks,” says government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
Mertz is well aware of the US. The fact that both come from the business world could also be an advantage. It is also said that Trump appreciates tall men: Mertz surpasses the US president even by eight centimeters.
So the omen are good, but there is definitely tension on the German side. This is also advised that the journey has been kept very short and it is rumored that the German side will also demonstrate restraint during a press meeting at the Oval Office.
Merz also received tips from Finland’s president and Trump’s expert Alexander Stubb and also spoke with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who recently visited Trump at the Oval Office. It could also be regarded as a special gesture that Merz would give up an interpreter and talk to Trump in English.
What does Trump want to succeed
When foreign guests visit him, Trump wants, above all, to be perceived as a great political man. Press interviews that take place several times a week at the Oval Office are his scene for it. Today, several influencers and media personalities near Trump are likely to be present when the cycle for questions is opened.
Chances of approach
The chances of approach are unpredictable. Both men expressed their sympathy for each other on the phone. However, Mertz’s criticism of Trump (Zelenski’s visit was “challenging escalation” and Trump should “stay out of German internal policy”) and the fact that Germany has implemented a digital tax shortly before the visit has exasperated. The Trump government also believes that Germany is not consistent enough in its asylum policy. So everything is possible.