Trump, Merz Discuss Ukraine, Trade, Defense at White House/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met at the White House to discuss Ukraine, defense spending, and trade. The meeting marks an effort to reset US-German relations post-Merkel. Both leaders aim to align on NATO goals and maintain transatlantic unity.
US-Germany Relations Quick Looks
- Trump and new German Chancellor Merz met at the White House for key discussions.
- Ukraine, NATO defense spending, and trade tariffs dominated the agenda.
- Merz presented Trump with a symbolic gift honoring his German heritage.
- Both leaders seek to strengthen a relationship marked by previous tensions.
- Trump wants higher NATO defense spending—Merz backs a long-term increase.
- Trade tensions persist over US tariffs on German vehicles and parts.
- Merz aims to position Germany as Europe’s strongest military force.
- Trump voiced concern over “democratic backsliding” in Germany.
Trump, Merz Discuss Ukraine, Trade, Defense at White House
Deep Look
Trump and Chancellor Merz Hold High-Stakes White House Talks on Ukraine, NATO, and Trade
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened Thursday at the White House for a critical meeting aimed at reaffirming the US-Germany alliance. With topics including the Ukraine conflict, transatlantic trade disputes, and NATO defense funding on the table, the summit represents a pivotal moment in reshaping relations between the longtime allies.
Trump welcomed Merz warmly in the Oval Office, praising him as a “very good man to deal with” while noting his tough negotiating style as a positive leadership trait. In a gesture of diplomacy and shared heritage, Merz gifted Trump a gold-framed birth certificate of Trump’s grandfather, Friedrich Trump, who immigrated from Germany.
“We have much in common,” Merz said, thanking Trump for the invitation and noting the depth of issues they planned to address.
A New Chapter in Transatlantic Diplomacy
Chancellor Merz, who took office on May 6, has moved swiftly to stabilize US-German relations. Unlike his predecessor Angela Merkel, whose relationship with Trump was often strained, Merz has opted for early outreach and cooperation, including multiple phone calls and bilateral messages exchanged before their in-person meeting.
A former business executive and Merkel’s one-time political rival, Merz brings a pro-industry, conservative approach to his leadership—a potential point of alignment with Trump’s economic nationalism.
Ukraine Support: Unity Amid War
Topping the agenda was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Merz emphasized the importance of sustained Western unity and thanked Trump for supporting an unconditional ceasefire while opposing a “dictated peace” for Ukraine. The chancellor has quickly emerged as a vocal advocate for Ukraine since taking office—visiting Kyiv and hosting President Zelenskyy in Berlin.
Merz reiterated Germany’s commitment to Ukraine, promising continued sanctions against Russia and military support, including the development of long-range missile systems. Trump, meanwhile, underscored the need for continued peace talks and stressed the dangers of Western disunity.
NATO Defense Spending: Raising the Bar
Defense funding remained a contentious but central topic. Trump, a longtime critic of NATO allies not meeting their financial obligations, now insists on a 5% GDP defense spending target—far beyond the current 2% benchmark.
Merz signaled readiness for Germany to lead within NATO, pointing out that his government passed constitutional changes to boost military spending. With the special €100 billion fund set to expire in 2027, Merz endorsed a plan for EU allies to reach 3.5% GDP defense spending by 2032, plus 1.5% for infrastructure and other security-related costs.
“We aim to build the strongest conventional army in Europe,” Merz declared.
Trade Talks: Germany Eyes Growth, Trump Eyes Tariffs
Economic relations also took center stage, with both leaders discussing the trade imbalance. Germany exported $160 billion in goods to the US last year, more than double what it imported from the United States. Trump has made reducing this gap a priority.
Merz argued that German investment in the US—ranked third globally—strengthens the American economy. However, Trump has maintained his 25% tariff on German auto imports, hoping to pressure German automakers into expanding their US manufacturing presence.
Despite Merz’s view that “tariffs benefit no one and damage everyone,” trade negotiations largely fall under the jurisdiction of the EU’s executive body. Still, his visit aimed to preserve dialogue and delay further trade escalations. Trump recently postponed a 50% tariff hike on EU goods that was scheduled to take effect this month.
Political Friction Over Democratic Norms
The White House raised concerns over “democratic backsliding” in Germany, citing issues such as freedom of speech and domestic policy shifts. While Merz acknowledged Trump might raise these matters, he stated, “We refrain from commenting on American domestic politics and expect the same in return.”
This followed a controversial speech by US Vice President JD Vance in Munich, where he criticized German political norms and the refusal of mainstream parties to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merz publicly pushed back, calling such comments inappropriate from a foreign official.
Avoiding Confrontation, Building Cooperation
Mindful of previous high-profile confrontations in the Oval Office, Merz reportedly prepared thoroughly to avoid similar flashpoints. His spokesperson emphasized that both leaders had “built up a decent relationship,” bolstered by phone and text exchanges.
The White House meeting was followed by a working lunch scheduled for 12:15 p.m., intended to continue discussions in a more informal setting.
While the summit is unlikely to yield immediate breakthroughs, it signals a strategic pivot toward cooperation—especially in defense and diplomacy—at a time of growing geopolitical complexity and economic challenges.
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