Merz and Trump prepare for first meeting amid Ukraine and trade tensions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday at the White House for talks focusing on Ukraine, the Middle East conflicts, and challenging trade relations between the two countries.

This will be Merz’s first official visit as chancellor since taking office in early May and marks the first time the two leaders will meet in person. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Saturday that the talks will cover “the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and trade policy.”

Since returning to the White House, Trump has unsettled Europe with changes in security and trade policies, including imposing a range of tariffs on European partners. Speaking at the WDR Europaforum conference last Monday, Merz warned that the European Union might respond with measures against US technology companies or other tariffs if the transatlantic trade conflict escalates.

"We shouldn't react heedlessly and hectically," Merz said. "But if we can't do anything else, we would need to use this tool."

Despite these tensions, Merz’s government recently announced it would help Kyiv develop long-range missiles, showing Berlin’s commitment to Ukraine. Merz also wants to ensure that Washington will not abandon Ukraine during its war with Russia.

The two leaders have already held several telephone conversations and agreed earlier this month to visit each other, though no dates have been set.

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Merz has sought to increase pressure on Israel while balancing Berlin’s support for the Israeli government with criticism of its military actions. He told public broadcaster WDR last week, "I no longer understand what the Israeli army is now doing in the Gaza Strip," and warned the Israeli government not to do that which "friends are no longer willing to accept."