After public confrontations with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa when they visited the White House, interest in Donald Trump's actions was great when Friedrich Merz came to Washington.
But what the world saw was smiles and friendly words from both world leaders.
He is a very good representative for Germany, said Trump about Merz.
We have a lot in common, replied Merz and reminded that Trump's ancestors came from Germany.
Not insignificant
During the leaders' initial press conference, Merz only nodded towards Trump when the latter mentioned his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Trump said that it "is sometimes better to let them fight a bit and then separate them", which made Merz thank the US for defeating the Nazi regime in World War II and point out that the US continues to be a superpower.
You are still very strong. We want to see a stronger pressure on Russia.
Trump had already praised Merz and called him difficult. "Don't you want me to call you insignificant?" he said in the direction of his guest.
I do and I believe we will get a good cooperation.
Invited to Germany
The following lunch went in the same easy and harmonious mood, at least according to Merz. They, according to the Chancellor, among other things, discussed the war in Ukraine and tariffs between the EU and the US. Trump, according to Merz, "really wants to see a solution" to the tariff issue and approach stronger sanctions against Russia.
I'm leaving here with the feeling of having found an American president with whom I can have a good conversation on a personal level, he said according to German media.
And to the public service channel ARD, he says that he has invited Trump to Germany, an invitation that has been accepted.
Merz, a lifelong friend of the US, has, like Trump, a background in business, and also plays golf – Trump's favorite hobby. Not least the latter is believed to promote the good atmosphere, which goes against Trump's more stiff relationship with predecessors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz. The conservative businessman Merz may have greater success.
