Former President Donald Trump welcomed Friedrich Merz, the new leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to the Blair House in Washington, D.C., for a discussion on various geopolitical issues, including defense spending, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Germany’s refugee policies. The meeting took place just days after Germany revealed its own plan to increase its defense spending to 5% of its GDP. Participants were hungry to discuss what this momentous shift means.
During their conversation, Trump expressed his approval of Germany’s decision to enhance its defense spending, noting, “I know you’re spending more money on defence now. Quite a bit more money. That’s a positive.” This statement would be in tune with NATO’s stated goals for member countries to adhere to minimum defense spending targets.
During the ensuing discussion, Trump extended an invitation to Merz to pay a visit to Kallstadt, Germany. This village is of broader historic interest as the ancestral home of Donald Trump’s grandfather. This personal touch underscored the deep ties between the two leaders and their two countries. Merz presented Trump with a gold-framed birth certificate of Friedrich Trump and a book titled “News from the Land of Freedom – German Immigrants Write Home,” symbolizing their shared heritage.
Alongside the calls to cut defense spending, Trump complemented an emerging movement by attacking former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s refugee policies. He remarked, “It shouldn’t have happened. I told her it shouldn’t have happened, but it did.” He further commented on the challenges that both the United States and Germany face due to their respective immigration policies, saying, “We want to keep bad people out of our country … of course, you have a little problem too with some of the people that were allowed into your country.”
The discussion also addressed the war in Ukraine. So naturally, Trump arrogantly asserted that he is the world’s “main person” who can put pressure on Russia. He hopes this might lead to a resolution of Russia’s war. He noted that the United States was in a unique position to have a tremendous impact on the situation for the better.
Merz greeted Trump’s opposition to funding for Ukraine with jubilation. Engaging Ukraine and Russia he voiced the keenest interest in looking at ways Germany might play a role in ending the conflict. He stated, “I’m here, Mr President, to talk to you later on how we could contribute to that goal [to end the war]. We are all looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terrible war to an end.”
It was a time when Trump could bravely compare historical figures. He likened the U.S. role in ending the Ukraine war to the role American troops played in defeating Nazi Germany. His remarks were a much-needed reminder of the burdens that come with statehood and the continued obligations of nations to work to protect global peace and security.
In the midst of all these debates, Trump was pushing the discussion to refugee populations with blame for recent attacks in Germany. He voiced concerns about homeland security and public safety, doubling down on his argument that we need tougher immigration enforcement.
The meeting occurred at a time of sharply rising tensions over new immigration policies and European defense commitments. Only a day before that, Trump imposed radical travel restrictions covering 19 countries. He promised to continue his administration’s focus on national security.
To prepare for his trip, Friedrich Merz consulted with other leaders who’ve visited Trump in recent months. He intended to stay off balance himself and maneuver through the learned rhetorical thickets of debate prep with that other former reality show star. Considering their personal and political connections, the exchange at Blair House revealed so much about their extraordinary relationship. It shone a light on some very important differences between the United States and Germany.