Merz's Washington Visit: Three Crucial Battlegrounds to Conquer Trump On
Convincing on Three Key Matters: Trump's Approach
Written by Volker Petersen
As Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz sets off for his plane to Washington, a tough mission awaits him. The White House plays host to President Donald Trump, a meeting that's crucial for Merz's new term and potentially the year itself. Three pressing issues promise to take center stage in their conversation.
Tensions are running high - the encounter between Merz and Trump is precarious, fraught with the risk of a diplomatic disaster. Historical camaraderie has transformed into a bitter power struggle.
Politics – Trump's Failed Kremlin Summit Plan; Zelensky Snub
Diplomatic visits can often go sideways. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky experienced this firsthand, leaving the White House disheartened. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa grappled with rants about racial bias against whites. And Germany, regrettably, has often been Trump's target du jour, focused on German cars in the US, defense, and alleged restrictions on freedom of speech. One wonders what Mighty Merz has up his sleeve to take the sting out of Trump's tongue? This is especially relevant given that his vice, JD Vance, openly supports the AfD.
However, this meeting is crucial; Merz might use it to shape his approach to Ukraine, mutual trade, and joint defense within NATO.
Ukraine and Sanctions
Merz staunchly supports Ukraine, hoping to rally Trump to its cause. Yet Trump dreams of acting as a peacemaker, tiresomely toying with the possibility of bringing peace and brushing the problem under the rug. He's even been seen longing for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Merz's timing could be fortunate, though. Following Russia's intense air raids, Trump vented his frustration with Putin, referred to in the vernacular as "a little boy" by Trump's own admission, who refuses to play by the rules of civilized diplomacy. A recent Senate push for more sanctions adds momentum to Merz's campaign. The proposal by Republican Lindsey Graham, who met with Merz in Berlin, highlights Europe's readiness to stand united and "suffer" alongside the US in their quest for a peaceful resolution.
Trade and Tariffs
Trump's unpredictability is legendary. He's been clamoring for tariffs since the dawn of time, with China his primary target, but the EU isn't far behind. He believes there's a massive trade deficit between the US and the EU masked by services offered by Silicon Valley giants – Facebook, Google, YouTube, and Apple – which conveniently fall outside his calculations.
At the same time, he wrongly considers the value-added tax a tariff, emphasizing the importance for Merz to debunk this fallacy – a task easier said than done. Merz will argue for the repeal of tariffs, presenting it as a win-win situation, while cautiously warning about the risks of China gaining influence in Europe. Progress towards an agreement seems possible, given that Trump's tariffs have been ruled illegal by US courts and are only standing by until a final ruling.
Defense and NATO
Trump brands Europeans as free riders who enjoy the protection provided by US troops while neglecting their responsibilities, in particular, defense spending within NATO. Threatening to withdraw from NATO, he might as well be playing with fire, effectively jeopardizing the security of Europe and Testing the resolve of Merz, who will have to argue for Germany's increasing defense budget – now rumored to reach 5% of GDP, much to the chagrin of German taxpayers.
One could even say that Merz enters the Washington summit armed with guns blazing – ready to confront Trump on Ukraine, trade, and defense. Only time will tell if his strategy proves effective, or if the wind gets knocked out of his sails like so many others before him.
In this meeting, Merz may aim to utilize political discord, such as Trump's failed Kremlin summit plan and Zelensky's snub, to shape his approach towards Ukraine, mutual trade, and joint defense within NATO.
Moreover, Merz could capitalize on Trump's recent frustration with Putin and the Senate's push for more sanctions to negotiate on Ukraine and counter Trump's protectionist trade policies, especially regarding tariffs on goods from EC countries. Additionally, Merz may address Trump's criticism of Europe's defense spending within NATO by advocating for an increase in Germany's defense budget.
