Merz Heads to White House: Can Germany’s New Chancellor Pass Trump’s Test?
Berlin, Germany As newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touches down in Washington for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, diplomatic observers are watching closely. Merz is attempting what many see as his biggest international test yet: winning over a skeptical and often combative Trump administration.
Since assuming office in early May, Merz has launched a flurry of diplomatic outreach, determined to reestablish Germany as a central figure in European leadership. His ambition: to revive Germany’s role on the global stage, not just within Europe, but across the Atlantic as well.
But at the heart of this visit lies one urgent challenge passing the “Trump test.”
Trump’s Tough Stance on Germany
Merz’s visit comes amid frosty transatlantic relations. President Trump, known for his critical view of NATO allies, has repeatedly lambasted Germany for underfunding its defense and maintaining trade barriers with the United States. The White House has also floated threats of new tariffs on EU imports, including German cars an economic blow Berlin is keen to avoid.
Sources close to the Merz administration say the Chancellor is expected to urge Trump to sustain America’s commitment to NATO and continue supporting Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing aggression. He will also lobby against any trade war, emphasizing how economic discord between the U.S. and EU could empower rival powers like China.
Curveballs and Calculations
Just before the visit, Trump’s team rearranged the schedule moving the high-profile Oval Office meeting to the start of Merz’s visit. Originally, German officials had hoped to ease tensions over lunch before facing the cameras. The last-minute change underscores how unpredictable this administration remains in its dealings, even with key allies.
Merz’s aides have reportedly spoken with other world leaders who have faced Trump’s scrutiny, including Ukraine’s President Zelensky and South Africa’s President Ramaphosa. Learning from their experiences, Merz has been preparing thoroughly for this encounter.
Military Commitments and Political Messaging
One point likely to earn Merz some goodwill in Washington is Germany’s recent pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of its GDP. While some ambiguity surrounds what constitutes “defense spending” in this new budget, the commitment aligns with Trump’s long-standing demands for NATO allies to contribute more militarily.
Experts suggest this could be Merz’s strongest card.
“Merz is going to Washington to show that Germany is ready to carry more weight in global security,” said Sudha David-Wilp of the German Marshall Fund.
Political Tensions Linger
Still, tensions remain. During his campaign, Merz criticized Trump’s stance on democracy and global cooperation. In turn, Trump’s administration has made no secret of its preference for Europe’s far-right politicians particularly the controversial Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, labeled “extremist” by German intelligence agencies.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has openly condemned Germany’s laws restricting hate speech and has called for mainstream German parties to engage with AfD a suggestion Berlin has largely rejected.
High Expectations and Quiet Optimism
Despite these fault lines, there is cautious optimism in Berlin. Merz speaks fluent English and has lived and worked in the U.S. before. Unlike some predecessors, he opted to travel without a translator, signaling his comfort on the international stage.
He has also had several personal conversations with Trump, reportedly establishing a first-name rapport. Merz even invited Trump to visit Kallstadt, the German hometown of Trump’s ancestors an invitation received warmly, but with no date confirmed.
The German delegation has been tight-lipped about the traditional gifts they’re bringing the American President. One official teased reporters, saying they’ll “be just as surprised as President Trump.”
Local and Global Stakes
Merz’s diplomatic tour has already taken him to Paris, Warsaw, Brussels, and Helsinki. But none of those meetings carry the geopolitical weight of this White House visit. His party, the CDU, has recently surged ahead of the far-right AfD in German polls momentum that could strengthen his hand both at home and abroad.
However, unresolved issues remain, including immigration reforms and the controversial disregard of a recent court ruling blocking key parts of Germany’s migrant policy. These could become flashpoints in his discussions with Trump’s team.
Meanwhile, back in Berlin, Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan voiced concern over America’s retreat from global aid.
“We cannot fill the vacuum left by the U.S.,” she said. “We need a strong, reliable partnership.”
As the meeting unfolds in Washington, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Germany, Europe, and global diplomacy.
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Merz Heads to White House: Can Germany’s New Chancellor Pass Trump’s Test?