Get the Scoop on the Next ZDF Talk Show "Maybrit Illner" - Topics and Stars for June 5th
Topics Discussed and Featured Guests in the Latest Edition - New Edition's Focus and Attendees Revealed
Sit down for a riveting discussion on the upcoming ZDF talk show "Maybrit Illner" airing on June 5th at 10:15pm. here's a sneak peek into the exciting episode!
What's the Hot Button Issue on "Maybrit Illner"?
Brace yourself for the jaw-dropping topic: "Friedrich Merz vs Donald Trump - Showdown or Symphony?"
The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, preps for his first face-off with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the geopolitical stakes couldn't be higher. Tensions between America and Europe are intensifying, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are at a standstill, and the NATO summit in The Hague looms ominously, threatening to dramatically impact the future of European-U.S. relations.
Will Merz charm Trump into easing tensions, or will both leaders veer into a disastrous diplomatic impasse? Germany finds itself in a precarious position with the U.S. - left at an impasse without the U.S., yet unable to prosper with its existing policies. How will the fledgling government fronted by its chancellor tackle this precarious balancing act?
Who's Taking Part in This Debate?
Joining host Maybrit Illner for this riveting episode are:
- Johann Wadephul (CDU, Federal Foreign Minister)
- Wolfgang Ischinger (veteran diplomat)
- Adam Tooze (U.S. economic historian)
- Mariam Lau ("Die Zeit" journalist)
- Elmar Theveßen (ZDF Washington studio chief)
What's the Deal with "Maybrit Illner"?
Since October 14, 1999, "Maybrit Illner" has been gracing our TV screens as a weekly political talk show on ZDF. Based in the Hauptstadtstudio Unter den Linden, Berlin, this show is known for its insightful discussions on current political and societal topics, hosted by the ever-engaging Maybrit Illner herself. Given her extensive experience as a Berlin journalist (b. 1965), Illner expertly encourages high-powered personalities from politics, economics, and society to weigh in on pressing issues influencing Germany and the world[1].
In addition to regular features, the show occasionally delves deeper into themes during times of political and social change, presenting special programs like the "Opposition TV Debate" or "illner intensive." After each broadcast, episodes can be found in the media library of public broadcasters[1].
- ZDF
- Maybrit Illner
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- America
- Europe
- Germany
- US President
- Russia
- Ukraine
- NATO summit
- The Hague
[1] Enrichment Data: The June 5th, 2025 episode focused on the heightened transatlantic tensions, the diplomatic challenges at the NATO summit in The Hague, the escalating US-EU trade conflicts, and the stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The episode examined the potential for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to ease tensions with Trump or the possibility of a looming diplomatic breakdown, exploring the quandary facing the new German government in addressing the U.S.[G1] The guests invited for this episode included:
- Johann Wadephul, Federal Foreign Minister (CDU)
- Wolfgang Ischinger, long-time diplomat
- Adam Tooze, US economic historian
- Mariam Lau, journalist from "Die Zeit"
- Elmar Theveßen, ZDF studio head in Washington[G1]
- The discussion on "Maybrit Illner" for June 5th, centered around the potential dynamics between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump, also delved into the impact of war-and-conflicts, primarily the stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, on European Union policy-and-legislation, particularly concerning the Republic of Cyprus' accession.
- Amidst the escalating tensions between America and Europe, with the NATO summit in The Hague looming, and the US-EU trade conflicts intensifying, the episode highlighted the complex politics involved in resolving these issues and the general news they generate.
- As Germany grapples with its precarious position within the US-EU relations, migration also poses a significant challenge, making it crucial for policy-makers like Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address both international diplomacy and domestic concerns.
