Which topics could cause problems?
It is difficult to build a positive, collaborative relationship in one area and completely insulate it from disagreements in other areas. This brings us to tariffs and the question of what happens next. The more tariff threats the US government makes, the more difficult it will be for Germany and the Europeans to meet America’s desire for economic cooperation with China. Added to this are the Trump administration’s recurring threats regarding the digital economy and American technology services. The crucial question is whether these differences can be reduced, neutralized or pushed aside in favor of a more productive and cooperative approach.
How closely did the White House monitor the Chancellor’s visit to China and how does Washington view the many recent European trips to India?
This doesn’t go unnoticed. I think the US government is very aware of what Germany is doing. However, it is important to note that the Trump administration is also trying to use its tariff levers, i.e. access to the American market, to obtain concessions from other countries in all conceivable areas. At the same time, the European Union is trying to further open its markets and conclude new trade agreements. There was a decision to provisionally apply the Mercosur agreement. The EU has reached an agreement with India. These are quite different approaches.
It seems as if the President and Chancellor still get along well. How important is the chemistry between the two? Trump and Merz won’t have much time for all of these issues.
It is always valuable when there is a good personal relationship between the American President and the German Chancellor. However, this does not guarantee a specific positive result on a specific issue. But it creates an atmosphere in which different positions can be addressed openly and directly, without it immediately leading to a dead end or a standstill. This is important. But it’s not just about personal chemistry.
If you look at the concrete steps that the German government has taken, especially the increased investments in defense and security, then this was crucial to the success of the NATO summit in 2025. Germany has earned a lot of recognition and respect in the USA for this. I was at the Munich Security Conference a few weeks ago. What struck me was that virtually every American official who spoke publicly specifically highlighted what Germany was doing in defense.
