German Chancellor Merz to Visit White House for Talks with Trump

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit the White House on Thursday for discussions with President Trump, primarily focusing on the war in Ukraine, according to a spokesperson for Merz.

This marks the first in-person meeting between Merz and Trump since Merz assumed office earlier this month, although they have previously spoken by phone.

Merz will stay overnight at Blair House, the official guest residence opposite the White House, with talks scheduled for the following morning. A joint lunch and press conference will follow.

The war in Ukraine will be the main topic, with Merz recently announcing Germany's removal of restrictions on long-range weapon deliveries to Ukraine, aligning with US policy. Merz also hosted Ukrainian President Zelensky in Berlin earlier this week.

Trump, who has previously sought closer ties with Russian President Putin, recently called Putin "crazy" following large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Global import tariffs are also expected to be discussed, as Germany, the EU's largest economy, seeks stable relations with the US. Negotiations on tariffs have been challenging, though Trump delayed imposing 50% tariffs on EU goods after talks with European Commission President Von der Leyen.