Washington DC, 5 June 2025
Following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed that he was “extremely satisfied” with the talks. The two leaders exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
“We have a good personal rapport. There is a level of conversation that is open and very collegial,” emphasized Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The two had discussed important topics, particularly the war against Ukraine. “It is now particularly in the hands of the American government, in the hands of the American President, to contribute to ending this war,” said the Chancellor. In addition, they had also discussed tariffs and agreed on close cooperation in economic and trade policy.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Ladies and gentlemen, I am returning from the White House later than originally scheduled because our meeting lasted longer than planned. But overall, it was a very good conversation. You witnessed parts of it during our discussion in the Oval Office. After that, we had a very good lunch in a small group.
From my perspective, I can summarise two key points:
First, we have a good personal rapport. There is a level of conversation that is open and very collegial. On this basis, we will certainly continue to have very good discussions in the future and maintain a close connection.
Second, we talked about the most important topics, especially the war against Ukraine. You heard my statement—I expressed it very clearly: it is now particularly in the hands of the American government, and of the American President, to contribute to ending this war. The goal is clear: we want to achieve an end to this war as quickly as possible. From my personal conviction, which I also conveyed, this can only be achieved through strength and through continued support for Ukraine’s defence capability—support we intend and need to maintain.
There is currently an initiative in the U.S. Senate. I will also be speaking personally with several senators who are preparing to adopt a new, broader sanctions package. The American President has not yet decided whether and how he will support this. However, in recent days, some developments have emerged. Whether this will ultimately lead to a formal decision that enters into force remains open. It had to remain open today, of course, because such a decision is not made in my presence. But I believe I was able to provide some additional arguments that underline the responsibility of the American government—especially the President’s responsibility.
I deliberately referenced a historical date that will be marked tomorrow: in June 1944, the American government, together with the British—but primarily the Americans—launched what is known as D-Day, the day the invasion of Germany began via France. That decision was made precisely where we met today: in the Oval Office of the White House. The decision to intervene and to end the war in Europe will not be made through military means today; but the political responsibility behind that decision is one the Americans assumed in 1944. And I reminded President Trump of that political responsibility. I believe we share a common understanding of these historical parallels.
Naturally, we also discussed tariffs and trade policy. We agreed to establish close economic and trade policy cooperation between the White House and the Federal Chancellery. We have already appointed the individuals who will conduct these talks on our behalf—talks which will be intensified even more than they were in the past. We are picking up the thread again and deepening this dialogue.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that I am extremely satisfied with this visit. The fact that the American government—specifically, the American President—personally invited me to stay at his guesthouse is also an indication that he wanted to have a constructive conversation. And indeed, it was a good conversation.
Thank you very much.
e-translated by ChatGPT, prompted by Insight EU
Disclaimer: This English translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancies or legal interpretations, the original German version shall prevail and is the only legally binding text.
Source of the original German text – Bundesregierung
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