Trump-Merkel Meeting Tests Odd Couple Leading Western Allies
- U.S. president said to sound out German chancellor on Putin
- Merkel plans to bring tutorial on trade for first visit
Trump, Merkel to Meet Amid Trade, Immigration Differences
President Donald Trump’s first meeting with Germany’s Angela Merkel at the White House this week will test the power dynamic between the West’s two pre-eminent leaders, one struggling for credibility on the world stage while the other fights for political survival at home.
For months, Trump has accused Merkel of “ruining” Germany by accepting refugees and predicted voters would overthrow her, even while describing her as a great world leader. Merkel has reluctantly emerged as the main defender of the liberal global order that Trump has vowed to upend as he unsettles European allies with protectionist threats, calls for increased defense spending and praises for the U.K.’s vote to leave the European Union.