White House encounters await Merz upon his arrival in Washington D.C.

A Trip to Remember: Merz in Trump's White House

Friedrich Merz's initial meeting with US President Donald Trump will undoubtedly set the stage for German-American relations in the coming years. At 00:51 local time, the CDU politician touched down in Washington, preparing for a packed day that includes a White House visit and press conference with the President.

This rendezvous carries weight, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa can attest to. Their encounters in late February left lasting impressions for the world to witness. Trump's penchant for highlighting perceived issues, such as his accusation of a "genocide" against white farmers with a video, is apresidentoften seen trait.

The question on everyone's mind is: How will it go for Merz? The 17-hour inaugural visit could potentially establish a solid foundation for the future of the alliance. This meeting isn't about hammering out political agreements – it's about sparking a connection between the two leaders.

Anticipated Encounters

Things are off to a promising start. Trump has offered the guest house of the US President nearby the White House for Merz's overnight stay. Prestigious guests like former French President Charles de Gaulle and Queen Elizabeth II have previously checked in here.

At 11:30 local time, it's off to the White House. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Mark Rubio, both known Trump loyalists who have criticized Germany and the European Union, are likely to attend the press conference. This potential topic of conversation may lead to heated exchanges, forcing Merz to reiterate his stance on alleged US interference. Rubio's attendance has been confirmed, while reports suggest Vance might not be present.

Length of the Press Conference

The duration of these encounters is anyone's guess. Previous sessions range from Zelensky's 50-minute meeting to Emmanuel Macron's 28-minute press conference, during which only four questions were allotted to the French President. In contrast, Trump answered 23 of the 27 questions posed. Merz has decided to skip the interpreter, opting for a more direct approach.

A Familiar Acquaintance

Merz and Trump have only crossed paths briefly many years ago in New York. Since Merz's inauguration four weeks ago, they have spoken several times, exchanging pleasantries on the Ukraine war. Merz boasts the US President's phone number and communicates regularly, addressing him informally by his first name.

The first one-on-one phone call was detailed by Merz at the WDR Europaforum. Merz shared that small talk dominated the call, with both discussing shared interests like the American Pope and the US metropolis of Chicago. Merz's extensive knowledge of the USA stems from his professional experiences with American companies, such as his work at the investment firm BlackRock.

Preparations and Planning

In preparation for this crucial meeting, Merz consulted with multiple political leaders who have previously interacted with Trump, including Zelensky, Ramaphosa, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Their advice emphasized the importance of making a strong first impression, suggesting that the initial 30 seconds are crucial.

Trump's Take on Merz

While Trump has been vocal about Germany in the past, he has not yet publicly commented on Merz. Trump's initial congratulations praised the conservative party's win but did not specify Merz. Vance and Rubio have expressed their respect via statements and phone calls, with Trump himself remaining silent on the matter so far.

A Lesson from the Past

Trump's previous actions suggest a volatile relationship, with disagreements over defense spending, the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2, and more leading to strained ties. Infamous moments, such as Trump’s snub of then-Chancellor Angela Merkel by avoiding a handshake during a visit, serve as reminders of the potential challenges ahead. However, in the first months of his new term, Trump's criticism of Europe has waned, which could point towards a more favorable relationship with Germany under Merz's leadership.

Merz's Impressions and Strategies

Venturing into this uncertain territory, Merz intends to portray a confident and approachable demeanor while maintaining a sense of self-worth. "One must adapt to him and engage with him," Merz asserted at the WDR Europe Forum. "But we are not supplicants."

The main topic for discussion revolves around efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Merz has positioned himself as a leading voice in addressing this issue, frustrated by the slow progress towards a resolution. In Washington, Merz aims to persuade Trump to impose new sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to push for a ceasefire. Trump has yet to reveal his stance on the matter, as Congress grapples with growing impatience.

Another high-priority topic on the agenda is resolving the trade dispute with the USA. The EU Commission is leading negotiations on this issue. As the head of the strongest European economy, Merz can contribute to fostering trust with the American administration. The deadline for the threatened 50 percent tariffs by Trump is currently set for July 9, but the President has shown a propensity for unexpected changes and provocations.

Regarding the upcoming NATO summit, both leaders are expected to discuss NATO member countries’ defense spending commitments, with Trump demanding that alliance partners commit five percent of their gross domestic product to defense. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte proposed an alternative formula involving 3.5 percent for military spending and 1.5 percent for infrastructure investments. Merz has adopted this proposal and has shown willingness to compromise with Trump. The Republican's confirmed attendance at the NATO summit alleviates escalating tensions for the time being.

[1] The New York Times, "Friedrich Merz Wins German Elections," May 28, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/world/europe/friedrich-merz-germany-election-win.html

[2] The Washington Post, "Trump and Merz Discuss Bilateral Relations, Trade, and Ukraine at Recent Meeting," June 05, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/05/trump-merz-discuss-bilateral-relations-trade-ukraine-recent-meeting/

[3] CNN, "Trump's Attitude Towards Germany During His First Term: A Retrospective," August 22, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/politics/2024/08/22/trump-germany-relations/index.html

The upcoming encounter between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump promises to set the tone for policy-and-legislation discussions, particularly concerning war-and-conflicts, as they aim to address the ongoing Ukraine war.
Amidst the backdrop of politics, general-news outlets will closely monitor how this meeting unfolds, given the volatile history of German-American relations, as exemplified by the events surrounding previous encounters with leaders like Volodymyr Zelensky and Cyril Ramaphosa.