Trump's Controversial Analogy on Ukraine-Russia War
During a White House meeting, former President Donald Trump likened the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia to a playground brawl, suggesting it might be better to "let them fight for a while" before intervening. Trump shared that he conveyed this perspective in a recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
German Chancellor Merz's Position
Newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, attending the meeting, expressed agreement that the war is "terrible" but stressed Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine and the commitment to minimizing civilian casualties. Merz emphasized, "We are on Ukraine’s side. We are trying to get them stronger."
The meeting marked the first in-person discussion between Trump and Merz since the latter took office in May 2025. Highlighting historical ties, Merz presented Trump with a framed birth certificate of Trump's grandfather, a German immigrant, symbolizing the countries' enduring connections.
Divergent Defense Spending Goals
Significant policy differences surfaced, especially regarding NATO defense spending. Trump urged allies to increase defense budgets to 5% of GDP, a substantial rise from the previously agreed 2% minimum. Conversely, Merz advocated a more gradual increase to 3.5% by 2032, with additional infrastructure investments.
Additional Meeting Topics
- Trade Relations: Germany recorded $160 billion in exports to the US in 2024, while American exports to Germany amounted to $75 billion. Trump aims to address this trade imbalance, using a 25% tariff on autos to pressure German automakers.
- Democratic Backsliding Concerns: The US administration has expressed worries over perceived declines in free speech protections in Germany and Berlin's handling of the far-right Alternative for Germany party.
Merz defended Germany's political decisions, emphasizing respect for domestic autonomy, stating, "We hold back when it comes to American domestic politics."
Stance on Ukraine and Sanctions
Rejecting a "dictated peace," Merz called for intensified sanctions against Russia and promised continued military aid to Ukraine, including support for long-range missile capabilities. Under previous leadership, Germany has become the globe’s second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the US.
Trump indicated readiness to impose sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine if hostilities persist, saying, "When I see the moment where it’s not going to stop … we’ll be very, very tough."
Outlook on US-Germany Cooperation
Despite differences, both leaders conveyed cautious optimism about future cooperation. Trump summarized the meeting with, "We’ll see."