New German Leader Merz Goes to Washington, Hopes to Pass 'Trump Test' in Oval Office
- Donald Trump held a press availability in the Oval Office with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
- The meeting occurred amid tensions involving Trump's recent advisory staff departures and Merkel's pragmatic approach to issues like Ukraine and tariffs.
- During the event, Trump frequently criticized Elon Musk, expressing disappointment over Musk's opposition to the budget bill after leaving his advisory role.
- Trump expressed his frustration, noting that Elon was more familiar with the details of the bill than nearly everyone present, including those addressing the media.
- The meeting underscored strained relations with former aides and focused on strengthening US-German ties on military support and trade challenges.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Trump talks a lot and hardly lets the chancellor speak. For what Merz says, however, there is praise and approval from the US President. The most important moments in the video

Instead of uplifting, the US President hand-to-hand, he finds his guest "excellent." It only becomes dangerous in one place.
Meeting with U.S. President Trump at the Oval Office is unpredictable. The new chancellor passes his probation test. Whether it will be the beginning of a thick friendship, however, is still open.
'Some people become hostile': Trump throws Musk under bus in Oval Office tirade
During an Oval Office press availability with Germany’s newly installed chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Donald Trump frequently ignored his guest and spent a considerable amount of time lashing at at Elon Musk.With Musk leaving his spot advising the president and almost immediately criticizing the budge...
Chancellor Merz meets US President Donald Trump. Despite intensive preparations, the conversation at the Oval Office could get into trouble on critical issues. Policy expert Sandra Navidi on the tactics with which Merz can score.
Trump receives Merz – but the US president uses the stage at the Oval Office and calculates Elon Musk. What remains of the chancellor's appearance in Washington?
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