Germany's Merz to meet Trump with Ukraine war high on agenda

BBC News

2 days ago

Update:
Date: 15:58 BST
Title: Merz's trip comes one day after 50% steel tariffs kick in
Content: Tariffs are likely to be high on the German chancellor's agenda. Merz's trip to Washington DC comes just one day after a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium imports kicked in.
The move hikes import taxes on the metals, which are used in everything from cars to canned food, for the second time since March. Trump says the measures are intended to secure the future of the American steel industry.
Critics say the protections could wreak havoc on steel producers outside the US, spark retaliation from trade partners, and come at a punishing cost for American users of the metals.
The UK has been temporarily spared from the tariff. Trump said in the order that the UK needed "different treatment" because of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) signed on 8 May 2025.
Trump later added that the US might increase the tariff on the UK "on or after 9July 2025" if it "determines that the United Kingdom has not complied with relevant aspects of the EPD".
Update:
Date: 15:51 BST
Title: Merz says he is 'well prepared' for Trump talks
Content: Bernd Debusmann JrReporting from the White House
Merz is staying at Blair House, just across from the White House.
Just a short while ago, Chancellor Merz held a short press briefing for traveling German journalists at Blair House, the location just across the street from the White House where he's staying.
In his remarks, Merz said he was "looking forward" to the visit and is "well-prepared".
"Nato will be a major topic," Merz told reporters. "As will trade and Ukraine."
Merz also suggested he's ready for any potential ambush if Trump or his team bring up Germanys far-right AfD or freedom of speech issues in Germany.
"When we talk about German domestic politics, I will use clear words," he said.
Update:
Date: 15:46 BST
Title: The good, the bad and the ugly of President Trump's bilaterals
Content: A meeting between two world leaders or representatives isn't always front page news.
However, the way President Trump's bilateral meetings have gone in the past few months, the outcomes are harder to predict.
Back in February, Indian Prime Minister Modi hailed a "mega partnership" with the US during a two-day visit, as he and Trump agreed on a deal for Delhi to import more American oil and gas.
Later in the month, Trump told a joint news conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "We like each other, frankly, and we like each other's country.' He seemed dazzled when Starmer presented him with a letter from King Charles in the Oval Office.
The next day, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky faced an extraordinary dressing down in front of the world's media, after Trump and Vice-President JD Vance demanded that he show more gratitude for US support in its fight against Russia's invasion.
And in May, Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a live news conference with widely discredited claims of a "white genocide" in South Africa.
Update:
Date: 15:45 BST
Title: What's on the agenda for Trump and Merz?
Content: Though there isn't an official list of topics that Trump and Merz plan to address at their first bilateral meeting, the German embassy in Washington has said that war and trade will be on the agenda.
'Key topics will include bilateral relations as well as international issues such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and trade policy,' the embassy said.
Merz has been a hard-line supporter of Ukraine and its president Volodymyr Zelensky, someone with whom Trump has had his fair share of contention.
Germany has also pushed back on Trump's tariffs, particularly those on steel and cars, which would heavily impact German manufacturers.
As other world leaders have visited Washington for similar meetings over the last few months, that's been a major talking point.
Update:
Date: 15:40 BST
Title: German chancellor to meet Trump in the Oval Office
Content: Welcome to our live coverage of the bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz, a member of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU), was elected on 6 May, and this is the first official meeting between the two leaders.
After initial greetings, Trump and Merz will head to the Oval Office where they will hold what's known as a "spray" - when reporters are invited to shout questions at the two.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest.