Rockin' it out: Merz and Trump Tackle Ukraine, Tariffs, and Friendship
Merkel and Trump engage in discussions aimed at addressing Ukraine conflicts and trade tariffs issues. - Merz and Trump seeking resolutions on Ukraine matters and tariff issues
Let's get the lowdown on some recent diplomatic drama! New Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had himself a chat with US President Donald Trump - and it was a darn good one, according to insiders. The conversation, which took place over the phone, was described as "completely chill, bro" after the call wrapped up.
Things kicked off on Thursday evening, two days post Merz's election and inauguration in the Bundestag. Trump, being the friendly chap he is, congratulated Merz on his big win, Merz reciprocated by acknowledging the US as a longtime, kickass ally.
Ukraine was the main topic on the docket
The bulk of the 30-minute convo was dedicated to Ukraine. Both agreed that it's high time for the Russian invasion to cease and desist. For this to happen, Russia needs to agree to a ceasefire. This'll clear the decks for some PP (peace talks). Trump promised to back any European peace-making efforts - but he's got a bit of a different vision for how peace should be achieved.
Europe and the US don't always see eye-to-eye when it comes to sorting out the Ukraine situation. Trump's pushing Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, whereas countries like Germany, France, and Britain prefer to avoid imposing a peace deal on Ukraine.
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The trade war between the US and the EU was the second topic up for discussion. Trump and Merz agreed to squash their beef quick-smart. At present, no solution is in sight. The EU Commission just announced that it was prepping extra tariffs on US exports worth up to 95 billion euros. Deadline for a resolution? July. The 90-day period set by Trump for the EU's offers will expire then. If Trump's not impressed with what he gets, he's threatening to amp up tariffs on EU imports even more.
The guys barely knew each other before the chat. They'd only crossed paths briefly in the past, years ago in NYC. According to word from German government circles, Merz extended an invite to Trump to come visit Germany. Oh, and during the invite, Merz mentioned the hometown of Trump's ancestors - Kallstadt on the Wine Road in Rhineland-Palatinate. Trump's grandparents decamped from there to NYC towards the end of the 19th century.
Trump's hinted that he might hop over to Germany sometime soon. In his tenure as President thus far, he's graced German soil only twice - once for the G20 summit in 2017, and the other times for pit stops at Ramstein.
Trump invited Merz to the White House, and Merz's already said he wants to jet off to the US before the G7 and NATO summits in June. The G7's lined up in Canada mid-June, followed by the NATO haul in The Hague.
- Donald Trump
- Friedrich Merz
- Ukraine
- Germany
- USA
- Goodwill gesture
- Tariffs
- Diplomacy
- EU
- Cooperation readiness
- Russia
- Berlin
- Phone call
- CDU
- US President
- Bundestag
- World War II
- Partners
- Stefan Kornelius
Additional Insights:
When it comes to Ukraine, the US approach under Trump involves a more pragmatic, flexible peace framework that may involve territorial compromises, a reduction in active US mediation, and impatience with diplomatic deadlock. European allies, on the other hand, prioritize Ukrainian territorial integrity, sustained sanctions, and coordinated security guarantees, aiming for peace terms that restore Ukraine's sovereignty before easing pressures on Russia.
- Merz, in his recent telephone conversation with Trump, agreed that it's time for the Russian invasion of Ukraine to end, with both leaders advocating for a ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks.
- In the same conversation, the trade war between the US and the European Union was discussed, with both leaders expressing a desire to resolve the issue promptly.
- Despite the upcoming July deadline set by Trump for the EU's offers, no solution to the trade dispute is currently in sight, with the EU Commission preparing to impose additional tariffs on US exports.
- During the conversation, Merz extended an invitation to Trump to visit Germany, mentioning Kallstadt, the hometown of Trump's ancestors, as a potential destination.
- Trump reciprocated by inviting Merz to the White House, with Merz planning to visit the US before the G7 and NATO summits scheduled in June.
