A Cozy Encounter: Merz and Trump's Oval Office Meeting
Global media reporting: Merz deliberately adopts a submissive demeanor during Trump meeting
As the clock struck 8:07 PM, the U.S. magazine Politico shared its take on the rendezvous between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump - a mere "surface-level success" that concealed deep-rooted disagreements. The publication asserted that Merz managed to dodge an escalation in the Oval Office by maintaining a respectful and flattering demeanor, while Germany's Chancellor was deliberately "submissive" and sidestepped direct confrontations. Trump didn't hold back his praise for Merz, calling him "a very good man for business."
However, Politico didn't shy away from criticizing Merz for failing to challenge Trump's controversial remarks about the Ukraine war. Trump had previously asserted that letting Russia and Ukraine "fight it out for a while" might be a good idea, comparing the conflict to "two kids fighting," and expressing understanding for Vladimir Putin's frustration over Ukrainian drone attacks.
Setting a Positive Tone: Merz's Masterful Debut
At 7:33 PM, ARD correspondent and Merz acquaintance Christoph Mestmacher weighed in from Berlin, praising Merz for his successful debut. Mestmacher observed that Merz had "achieved quite a bit" by establishing a basis for discussion with Trump and crafting a "remarkable, friendly" atmosphere. Merz managed this delicate balance: absorbing Trump's self-praise, letting him speak his mind without interruptions, yet never relinquishing control. In Mestmacher's view, Merz remained true to himself.
A Peaceful, Yet Imbalanced Dialogue
At 6:58 PM, ZDF correspondent Wulf Schmiese reported a tranquil air surrounding the meeting. Trump was said to have spoken 90 percent of the time, while Merz purposely adopted a more reserved stance.
Anticipation Awaits: The World Watches as Merz Goes to Washington
In the British Guardian, the meeting between Trump and Merz was declared an event that would set the political world on edge, much like no other transatlantic meeting in history. The international press eagerly awaited the conversation between the two heads of state, with the New York Times even suggesting that Merz is determined to pass the "Trump test."
CNN warns of a possible "potentially explosive diplomatic broadside" from Trump, citing the strained relationship between the two leaders and the controversy surrounding the domestic intelligence agency classifying the AfD as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist." Conservatives in the U.S., like Vice President JD Vance and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, have openly criticized this decision.
A Sympathetic Ear and a "Valuable" Gift
According to Le Monde, defense will play a crucial role in the discussion. The Chancellor's more conciliatory tone towards Washington since his election has been evident. In a promising sign, it seems Merz is receiving preferential treatment, as he is staying at the Blair House residence opposite the White House and will address Trump by his first name. Merz has reportedly brought a book to remind Trump of his German roots and a plan to increase German military spending, which Trump has long been advocating for.
Navigating the Lions' Den: Merz's Strategy for Engaging Trump
For Merz's meeting with a notoriously public-loving Trump, it is crucial for the German Chancellor to present "concrete proposals for cooperation." Handelsblatt suggests that Merz can approach key issues like the modernization of the German military, aid for Ukraine, NATO commitments, and trade imbalances between the U.S. and Germany by proposing linkages. An integration of the German economy into the U.S. - for example through a "middle-class billionaire" as ambassador in Washington - could be an intriguing plan.
The anticipation builds as we wait for Merz's first official meeting with Trump to unfold. Die Zeit cautions the Chancellor that while he enjoys those Republican connections in the U.S., he is not part of the MAGA camp. This fact is bound to mold the atmosphere in Trump's Washington. (nhi)
- The disagreements between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump, concealed during their Oval Office meeting, are rooted in Merz's failure to challenge Trump's views on war-and-conflicts, particularly his remarks about the Ukraine conflict.
- The international press is keenly watching the political landscape as Merz navigates car-accidents, crime-and-justice, policy-and-legislation, general-news, and fire-related issues, aiming to pass the "Trump test."
- While Merz is receiving preferential treatment during his stay in Washington, including the Blair House residence and a meeting with Trump by his first name, his political views differ significantly from the MAGA movement, a factor that could shape the atmosphere during his tenure.
- In an attempt to engage Donald Trump, Friedrich Merz plans to propose concrete proposals for cooperation, linking issues such as the modernization of the German military, aid for Ukraine, NATO commitments, and trade imbalances between the U.S. and Germany to the integration of the German economy into the U.S.
- As Merz dives into the world of politics and engages with Trump on various global issues, it is essential to consider the potential implications of migration, both within Germany and the United States, on their discussions and future policies.
