Chatting with Donald: Merz's mission to win over Trump on three critical topics
Convincing on these three points is crucial for Merz during Trump's debate
By Volker Petersen
It's crunch time for Chancellor Friedrich Merz as he heads to Washington for a sit-down with President Donald Trump. This meeting ― the most significant of his young chancellorship ― could make or break his tenure. Three topics stand out as key to a successful outcome.
As Merz sets foot on Air Force One, he finds himself facing a daunting challenge. Waiting for him at the White House is Trump, ready to shake things up. What was once a friendly encounter has turned into a tough negotiation.
The Diplomatic Whirlwind
This visit could easily go south. Just ask Volodymyr Zelensky, who was snubbed and sent packing. Cyril Ramaphosa learned the hard way about Trump's views on racism against whites. And Germany has always been a favorite target of Trump's ― German cars, defense, free speech ― you name it, Germany's caught it. So what can Merz do to keep Trump from layin' the smackdown? With Trump's VP, JD Vance, openly supporting the AfD, things don't look great.
But this trip is no ordinary trip. If Merz can score points with Trump, it could make a difference in resolving at least three major issues: Ukraine, trade, and defense within NATO.
Ukraine and Sanctions
Merz is all in for Ukraine, wanting Trump to be on board too. But it's not that easy. Trump sees himself more as a mediator, dreaming of bringing peace and sweeping the problem under the rug once and for all. He might even be eyeing the Nobel Peace Prize.
Moreover, Merz shows up at an opportune time. After Russia's massive air attacks, Trump was less than impressed with Putin. Just recently, he said that, after a long phone call with Putin, peace was not in sight. Meanwhile, the Senate is pressuring for more sanctions on Russia. Republican Lindsey Graham, who was in Berlin earlier this week and spoke with Merz, urged the German chancellor to thank Trump for lifting the sanctions against Syria and demonstrate how Germany is committed to further action. Europe, said Graham, is ready to endure pain.
Trade and Tariffs
Trump plays by his own rules and isn't known for having firm beliefs. Except when it comes to tariffs. He's convinced that they're the way to go, particularly when it comes to China and the EU. But here's the thing: Trump doesn't understand that services make up a large chunk of EU-US trade. Facebook, Google, Apple, and other US tech giants bring in billions from Europe, sums that Trump conveniently overlooks.
Merz will have to persuade Trump to rethink tariffs, pushing for a reduced or zero-tariff agreement that would benefit both sides in a win-win situation. This isn't an easy task, considering Trump's penchant for shielding American industries at any cost. But, there might be an opening: the Supreme Court has ruled Trump's tariffs illegal, and they're only in effect pending a final legal ruling.
Defense and NATO
Trump thinks Europeans are enjoying a life of luxury while Americans do the hard work of keeping Europe safe. He sees NATO as a burden ― a US service to Europeans, paid for by late payers. That's not an unfounded criticism; many Germans and Europeans agree that Germany and other countries aren't doing enough to support NATO.
Trump has made thinly-veiled threats to withdraw from NATO, which would spells disaster for Germany and the rest of Europe. But Merz has a trick up his sleeve: Germany is planning to significantly increase its defense spending, something that Trump could spin as a victory.
The Future Awaits
A lot is riding on this meeting. But nothing is set in stone. Trump is unpredictable, going after industry after industry with tariffs in his quest to bring manufacturing back to the US. Merz has solid arguments to make, but whether they resonate with Trump is an open question. Only time will tell if this first meeting of two strong-willed leaders yields positive results for Germany and the US.
- The employment policy in EC countries, particularly Germany, could significantly benefit from a successful negotiation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump, as it may lead to resolutions on key issues such as trade and tariffs.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the unfolding diplomatic meeting between Merz and Trump presents a critical juncture, with potential implications for Ukraine, NATO defense, and the ongoing trade disputes between the EU and the US.
