Summary
Newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with President Trump at the White House to discuss trade, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions, marking their first in-person meeting since Merz’s election. The conversation comes amidst Trump’s decision to delay a 50% tariff on EU imports, initially set to take effect on June 1, following discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU has indicated plans for countermeasures against the tariffs, highlighting the significance of US-Germany relations for European security and prosperity.