Reported from the source

Quick summary: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Donald Trump in Washington was characterized by Trump’s dominant and often controversial rhetoric, while Merz largely remained silent and smiling. Intended to clarify Trump’s Iran strategy, the meeting instead highlighted Trump’s bluster, including insults towards European leaders and nations. Merz’s public strategy of “principle-based realism” and appeasement left key questions unanswered, prompting the author to question the fine line between realism and spinelessness.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent visit with former US President Donald Trump in Washington was largely dominated by Trump’s characteristic pronouncements, with Merz often observing silently. The visit, initially aimed at gaining insights into Trump’s Iran strategy, instead featured extensive “Trump-bluster” while Merz sat smiling beside him. Trump, described as mentally meandering but clear on defining the “right of the stronger,” praised Germany and Merz, but also launched insults. He called British Prime Minister Starmer “no Churchill” and labeled Spain, a NATO and EU partner, “terrible,” threatening to end trade with the country. Throughout these remarks, Merz remained largely silent, appearing as a “European extra” in Trump’s usual show. Merz later claimed to have contradicted Trump behind closed doors. The public impression, however, remained one of appeasement. When Trump enumerated the alleged successes of the “world’s best army” in Iran, Merz was even seen briefly laughing. This aligns with Merz’s stated “principle-based realism” for dealing with Trump. The author questions whether this approach, focused on public appeasement, crosses the line into “spinelessness.” Regarding Iran, Merz’s public statement to Trump was limited to, “We are curious how things will proceed in Iran the day after.” He reportedly left with the impression that the US lacks a clear strategy. On Ukraine, Merz’s attempts to remind Trump of the war’s devastation were reduced to three sentences, with Trump merely assuring that peace in Ukraine was also a priority for him. The visit’s outcome, according to the commentary, is that Trump still likes Merz, continues his “divide and conquer” approach in Europe, and did not reveal his intentions regarding Iran. The author sarcastically concludes that if the absence of escalation or breakdown constitutes success, then Merz’s third visit to the White House was “very successful,” implying that those expecting more have not understood Merz’s “principle-based realism.”

Source: www.tagesschau.de