Difficult Assignment Kicks Off for Merz

Merz's Tough Task: A Brutal Diplomatic Battle with Trump Awaits

Merz embarks on a grueling, challenging journey.

Authors: Volker Petersen

As Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on his flight to Washington, DC on Thursday evening, he embarks on a challenging, potentially brutal diplomatic mission. Waiting for him at the White House is President Donald Trump. What started as a cordial visit has transformed into a daunting challenge.

The Struggle for Power Merz and Trump: A Diplomatic Dance - What's at Stake A diplomatic meetup like this can quickly spiral out of control. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was publicly humiliated, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was subjected to blistering racist attacks. Germany has consistently been one of Trump's favorite targets, with contentious issues such as German cars in the U.S., defense, and alleged freedom of speech restrictions always at the forefront. Can Merz navigate these treacherous waters without encountering a storm? With Trump's vice, JD Vance, openly supporting the far-right AfD, it's unclear whether Merz will find an ally or an enemy.

This visit is of paramount importance. If Merz can establish a rapport with Trump, it could help resolve at least three major issues: the Ukraine conflict, joint trade, and joint defense within NATO.

Ukraine and Sanctions

Merz has unwavering support for Ukraine and wants Trump to follow suit. However, Trump dreams of being a peacemaker, willingly embracing the role of a mediator. He yearns for the opportunity to resolve the problem once and for all, perhaps even earning himself a Nobel Peace Prize.

Pressure on Trump Trump’s Shift on Ukraine After Phone Call with Putin: No Immediate Peace Merz aims to persuade Trump to impose joint sanctions, a significant step that would require Trump to relinquish his mediator role. Trump has been reluctant to involve himself in conflicts, despite the ongoing sanctions imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, and the continuous supply of weapons.

Merz is making the trip to Washington under favorable conditions. Following Russia's massive airstrikes, Trump has expressed his disappointment with Putin. Recently, he stated that peace was not imminent in a conversation with Putin. At the same time, the Senate is urging for more sanctions. The proposal originated from Republican Lindsey Graham, who met with Merz in Berlin last week. According to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Graham recommended that Merz thank Trump for lifting the sanctions against Syria and demonstrate Germany's increased commitment to resolve the conflict. Graham stated that Europe is prepared to endure hardship.

Trade and Tariffs

Trump operates on impulse and appears to lack steadfast convictions, except when it comes to tariffs. He has been advocating for them for decades. While he primarily targets China, the EU is not far behind. He believes there is a substantial trade deficit between the U.S. and the EU, overlooking the massive revenue generated by American corporations like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (Google, YouTube), and Apple through online services in Europe. Import VAT, which Trump often confusion with tariffs, is a different matter entirely.

The True Cost of Tariffs How Heavy Are Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum? Where Does Germany Export These Goods? Merz must work to convince Trump that import VAT is not equivalent to a tariff. He will argue in favor of reducing tariffs, advocating for a win-win scenario for both parties. However, China's potential influence in Europe remains a significant concern for Merz, as his party colleague Norbert Röttgen recently warned in the Bundestag.

Progress on a trade agreement seems possible. In the U.S., Trump faces legal challenges. A court has declared his tariffs illegal, and they are only still in effect while a final legal decision is pending. Trump could present a new trade agreement with the EU as a success, which could also intensify the pressure on China.

News in Brief ** German Companies' Sentiment in the U.S. Worsens Significantly Due to Trade Policy**

The outcome of the meeting is uncertain. Originally, Trump's goal was to bring entire industries back to the U.S. with tariffs, requiring them to remain operational. Merz presents compelling arguments, but it remains unclear whether they will resonate with Trump.

Defense and NATO

Trump often criticizes Europeans, especially Germans, for not contributing enough to NATO. He openly threatens to withdraw from NATO, which would effectively dismantle the alliance. However, Merz has good news for Trump. Germany will significantly increase its defense spending, with negotiations now focusing on a five percent increase, not just a two percent increase as previously suggested. Merz can represent this as a victory for Trump, who has long demanded increased defense spending from Europe.

Additional Insights

During the meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump, several key topics likely arose or were addressed:

Key Topics

Ukraine War: Merz called for Trump's assistance in resolving the Ukraine conflict, as Trump's intervention could place considerable pressure on Russia[1].
Trade Relations: Trump expressed an eagerness to create a favorable trade agreement with the European Union, which would benefit both parties[1].
US Troops in Germany: Trump reassured Merz that there were no plans to withdraw the approximately 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany[1].

Challenges

Divergent Views on Russia: The disagreement between the two leaders regarding the conflict in Ukraine and how to handle Russia remains a significant challenge[1].
European Independence: Merz has advocated for Europe to gain independence from the U.S., leading to potential tension in their diplomatic relationship[1].
Strategic Alliance: Balancing the need for a strong U.S.-Germany relationship with European strategic interests could pose a challenge for Merz[3].

Overall Approach

Chancellor Merz maintained a diplomatic tone throughout the meeting, aiming to avoid confrontations and maintain a positive dialogue with Trump[1]. However, significant differences in their perspectives on key issues may persist, posing a challenge in their diplomatic relationship.

In the context of the meeting between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump, the employment policy of the EC countries could potentially be discussed as part of the broader trade relations between the U.S. and the EU, especially regarding the potential impact of tariffs on American corporations like Meta, Alphabet, and Apple operating in Europe.
The employment policy of the EC countries could also be brought up in the discussion about defense and NATO, as increased defense spending by Germany and other EC countries could potentially create jobs within the defense industry, contributing to employment within these countries.