A High-Stakes Summit at a Pivotal Time

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this Thursday, marking his first official visit since taking office. The meeting comes at a critical juncture for transatlantic relations, with ongoing trade disputes, the unresolved war in Ukraine, and intensifying global pressures—including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—forming a complex backdrop. Against this environment of uncertainty, both leaders are expected to recalibrate the German-American partnership for the coming years.

Key Issues: Trade, Security, and Diplomatic Realignment

Trade – Tariffs, Industry, and the Future of German Exports

As the largest economy in Europe, export-driven Germany is highly exposed to U.S. trade policy. The United States remains Germany’s single largest trading partner, making Berlin vulnerable to the Trump administration’s renewed push for sector-specific tariffs—particularly on steel and automobiles. Chancellor Merz is expected to press for a reduction or elimination of these tariffs, advocating for a “zero-for-zero” industrial tariff agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. His aim is clear: protect Germany’s manufacturing core, maintain global competitiveness, and ensure free trade remains a pillar of the transatlantic relationship.

Security – The Ukraine War and NATO Commitments

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is set to be a dominant theme in the meeting. Germany, now repositioning itself as a leader in European security, will seek to secure continued U.S. support for Ukraine—both militarily and diplomatically. Merz is expected to reaffirm Germany’s commitment to European security, push for a unified front in support of Kyiv, and encourage Washington to remain engaged in multilateral peace efforts. This comes amid uncertainty regarding U.S. policy, following recent communications between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Issues likely to be discussed include the potential for American support for European troops, sanctions enforcement, and intelligence sharing.

A second core security topic will be Germany’s defense spending. Trump has repeatedly demanded that NATO members boost their defense budgets to 5% of GDP. Merz will aim to demonstrate tangible progress in German defense spending and capabilities, underscoring Berlin’s commitment to no longer be seen as a laggard within the alliance.

Political Dynamics – Democratic Values and Transatlantic Friction

Recent weeks have seen diplomatic tension over Germany’s domestic classification of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Berlin for what they described as undemocratic actions, while Merz and the German government defended their position as a constitutional safeguard. The meeting is expected to be candid and direct, with Merz aiming to present Germany as a stable, liberal democracy that values open dialogue, while seeking to establish a personal rapport with Trump to facilitate future cooperation despite ongoing disagreements.

Additional Strategic Objectives: Countering China and Shaping European Leadership

Merz will also seek to emphasize that robust U.S.-German collaboration is vital for confronting global challenges, especially competition with China. Both sides have an interest in presenting a unified transatlantic front on strategic and economic issues, and Germany under Merz is positioning itself not just as an industrial power, but as a central diplomatic and security actor in Europe.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Transatlantic Relations

The Merz-Trump summit represents a crucial test for the future of the transatlantic partnership. While significant disagreements remain, the outcome of this meeting will shape bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and global leadership in the years ahead. For Germany, Chancellor Merz seeks not only to bridge differences, but to reassert the country’s role as a leading force within Europe—engaging the U.S. as a peer, a partner, and, where necessary, a constructive critic.