A Peek into Berlin's Political Circle: US Senator Graham Chats with Merz - Tips for Trump's Encounter?
Senator engages in discussions with Merz in a private setting.
By Volker Petersen, an Insightful Observer
Curiosity swirls as this week's horizons shift towards Thursday. The impending meeting between Merz and Trump is looming large, marking a crucial juncture in the federal chancellor's young term. Should Merz manage to forge a connection with the White House's resident, it could bolster his efforts on numerous fronts.
Politics 🗳️ Senator Graham's Proposed New Sanctions for Russia
Principally, the question of Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions against Russia takes center stage. This isn't solely an EU Commission (Ursula von der Leyen's realm), matter but will engage in coordination with Chancellor Merz, according to government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius at the morning press conference. The tariffs debate is likely to surface extensively in their discussion.
This Monday sees the arrival of US Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin, a man who's occupied a prime spot on Washington's political landscape. He's declared his undying support for Ukraine and advocates for stiffer US sanctions against Russia. Graham struck a deal with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on a bill that would boast substantial bipartisan backing in the Senate—though he's yet to put it forth for voting. He awaits Trump's approval, cognizant of the House's usual loyalty to Trump's cause.
Graham has already voiced his intentions to put the sanctions in place by mid-June, ahead of the G7 summit in Italy. No stranger to diplomatic visits, he recently visited Kyiv to grill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the progress of bilateral relations.
Politics 🗳️ Merz's Initial Steps with Trump
Graham's political lens still reflects the foreign policy ethos that governed Washington before Trump's era: unequivocal commitment to NATO and an assured distance from Russia. Once upon a time, Graham admonished Trump sternly for his presidential ambitions, but that soon changed. Meanwhile, Graham has become Trump's ally, mirroring the President's stance while occasionally striking a more moderate tone regarding aid for Ukraine.
Such a confidant of the President may offer valuable insights to Merz ahead of the big conversation. Graham could offer insight into Trump's negotiation style and help Full Throttle Fred prevent potential missteps. The chancellor will have ample opportunity to engage. Kornelius revealed that Merz will enjoy a round of luncheon with Trump, a private tête-à-tête, and a press conference in the coveted Oval Office, bringing back memories of Zelensky's ill-fated visits.
In the past, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has demonstrated how diplomacy can dance with diplomacy. He flattered Trump, echoed his catchphrases, and extolled the virtues of their mutual strength. He even bestowed upon Trump a second invitation from King Charles, boasting about this unprecedented honor.
Lessons from Zelensky and Starmer
This is Merz's first meeting with Trump. Yet, he's already made a conscious effort to establish camaraderie with the President. After a couple of phone calls and messaging exchanges, the FCD surmises they're on a first-name basis—Trump addressing Merz as "Donald," and Merz referring to Trump as "Friedrich." Merz had extended an invitation to Trump, drawing attention to his ancestry from the Germany wine village of Kallstadt in Rheinland-Palatinate, and Trump's forthcoming increase in German defense spending should also please POTUS.
Merz boasts an intimate familiarity with American customs, having steered the elite US-German association Atlantikbrücke and serving as the German head of financial manager Blackrock, which often calls for transatlantic voyages. Spokesperson Kornelius enthused that Merz knows the US "better than any of us."
Negotiations are bound to be tricky, but there's nuance in Trump's political theatre. The President has demonstrated an unpredictable approach to sanctions policies, having inexplicably renounced the previously committed to joint sanctions after a failed ceasefire in Ukraine.
Graham, however, could provide vital insights into Trump's decisions. The political landscape has remained silent regarding any discussions between Graham and the German Foreign Minister Wadephul.
The Commission, aside from its proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, has also been asked to coordinate with Chancellor Merz on the question of Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions against Russia, a matter that Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent figure in Washington's political circle, is advocating for. Graham's insights on Trump's political style and negotiation methods could prove valuable to Merz as they prepare for their impending meeting.
