Merz in Washington: Meeting with Trump – A conversation full of risks!

Merz in Washington: Meeting with Trump – A conversation full of risks!

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is preparing for his inaugural visit to US President Donald Trump in the White House. The visit, which comes less than a month after Merz took office, will be held in Washington on Thursday. Merz expects that Trump could address him on controversial topics such as the AfD and freedom of expression in Germany. He is determined to make his position clear should the need arise.

The expected topics of discussion include not only German-American relations, but also key geopolitical challenges. This includes the Ukraine war, in which Merz wants to put pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire. Further discussions are expected about the trade conflict between the USA and Germany and the customs dispute. The situation in the Middle East could also be discussed, with Merz hoping that the US President will reach a compromise on NATO partners' defense spending.

Preparations and challenges

To prepare for the meeting, Merz sought advice from other heads of state and government who have spoken to Trump in the past. So far, Trump has not commented publicly on Merz, which creates additional uncertainty for the Chancellor. It will also be important to monitor Trump's behavior towards Merz, especially since the former president's previous meetings with other heads of state ended in scandal.

Particularly relevant in this context is the last-minute change in the schedule for the meeting, which was originally scheduled to take place after a working lunch in the Oval Office. Merz plans to give Trump a book by Walter Kamphoefner that contains letters from German emigrants, as a symbolic sign of the long connection between the two nations.

Political goals and expectations

In addition to the political talks, Merz has high expectations for the talks with Trump. He does not see any major breakthroughs on key issues such as the Ukraine war, trade policy or the tariff conflict, but still aims to strengthen relations with the USA. In another important point, Trump is demanding that NATO partners provide defense spending of five percent of gross domestic product. However, Merz is open to a compromise and proposes a proposal of 3.5 percent for military spending and 1.5 percent for infrastructure.

Overall, Chancellor Merz's visit marks a critical phase in German-American relations, and it remains to be seen how the talks with Trump will go. Observers are curious to see whether the Chancellor will be able to achieve the desired results in this important dialogue while at the same time defending the principles of freedom of expression in Germany.

The entire course of the visit will be followed with particular interest, especially given the tense political atmosphere. Focus and NOZ report on the developments surrounding this important meeting.