United States-Germany Chat: Merz and Trump Seek Rapid Resolution in Trade Spat, Solidify Ukraine Cooperation
Merz and Trump aim for swift resolution in trade disagreement via initial phone call
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link
Just a couple of days post his swearing-in, Chancellor Merz had a phone chat with US President Trump. The latter pledged aid for European attempts to find peace in Ukraine, and both parties agreed to dodge a trade war.
Equilibrium emerging in the trade dispute, openness to collaborate on Ukraine matters, and mutual invitations to Germany and the US: These are the outcomes of the first conversation between newly-appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, described by government insiders as a "remarkably positive, relaxed, and polite" interaction.
Politics Insiders reveal "US Underestimated Putin's Position in Moscow" The conversation took place on Thursday evening, following Merz's election and inauguration in the Bundestag. Trump congratulated him, according to information shared from the German side. Merz assured Trump that the US would remain an "indispensable friend and partner" of Germany on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The largest part of the 30-minute conversation dwelled on Ukraine. The two agreed on close cooperation with the aim to put a halt to the Russian attack, explained German spokesperson Stefan Kornelius. The Chancellor echoed the President's plea for an immediate stop to the violence in Ukraine. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire to foster an atmosphere for negotiations. Trump vowed to bolster German endeavors "forcefully," along with France, Britain, Poland, and other European partners, to achieve long-lasting peace.
Trade war avert imminent
The second topic of the conversation focused on the commercial skirmish between the US and the EU. Trump and Merz concurred to resolve the disputes between the US and the EU swiftly, as per reports from the German side. Yet, no solution appears imminent at the moment. Just prior to the discussion, the EU Commission announced its intention to enforce additional tariffs on US exports valued up to €95 billion (approximately $102 billion) if talks with Washington fail to produce a resolution.
Politics Sources claim "US doesn't support Merz's chancellorship" In July, a 90-day deadline set by Trump for EU concessions will expire. If no deal is reached, Trump wants to impose extensive new tariffs on imports from the EU. These new tariffs would augment the ones already imposed.
Merz recentlly contradicted US government criticism regarding the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's designation of the AfD as "securely right-wing extremist"[INSERT1]. Meanwhile, he advocated for the abolition of all tariffs and emphasized the necessity to prevent sliding into an open trade war. He additionally emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual recognition of technological standards.
Merz extends invitation to Trump
Merz and Trump barely knew each other prior to this encounter. They had only met one time briefly in New York long ago. According to sources within the German government, Merz invited Trump to Germany. In doing so, Merz mentioned that he knew Kallstadt, the hometown of Trump's ancestors, located on the Wine Route in Rhineland-Palatinate. Trump's grandparents had emigrated from there to New York at the end of the 19th century.
Insider Buzz ntv Early Start believes "Merz Gains Respect from Trump" Trump hinted at the possibility of visiting Germany. As president, he has been to Germany aside from stopovers at the US airbase Ramstein only for the G20 summit in 2017.
In turn, Trump extended an invitation to Merz to the US. Merz has previously declared his intention to travel to the US before the G7 and NATO summits in June, within the next six weeks. The G7 summit is scheduled for mid-June in Canada, followed by the NATO summit in The Hague.
Source: ntv.de, ino/als/dpa/rts
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Ukraine Invasion
- Tariffs
Incorporated Enrichment Data:- The trade dispute between the US and the EU remains tense and unresolved as of May 2025[1].- No resolution has been reached yet[1].- The EU has published a list targeting around €100 billion (approximately $107 billion) worth of US goods, including major sectors such as passenger cars, aircraft, medical devices, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural products[1].- The EU’s actions are in response to US tariffs, including tariffs on EU steel, aluminum, and automobiles, introduced under former President Trump’s administration[1].- The European Commission has prepared to initiate formal dispute proceedings at the World Trade Organization (WTO) by requesting consultations with the US[2][3].- The broader EU-US trade relationship is partly managed through the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2021 to coordinate on trade, economic, and technology issues[5].- Germany, as a leading EU economy and a major trading partner of the US, plays a key role in these dynamics and works collectively with the EU to seek a diplomatic solution to prevent escalation[5].
- The economic and monetary union, in particular the European Union's economic and monetary union, was a significant topic in the conversation between Chancellor Merz and President Trump.
- Despite the ongoing trade disputes between the US and the EU, both leaders expressed their readiness to find a rapid resolution, with a mutual understanding and willingness to avoid a trade war.
- During their conversation, Chancellor Merz and President Trump, in accordance with government sources, emphasized the need for close cooperation to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine and engage in negotiations to end the Russian attack.
- remarkably positive interaction, the leaders also extended invitations to visit each other's countries, with President Trump hinting at a possible visit to Germany and Chancellor Merz planning a trip to the US before the G7 and NATO summits.
