Germany’s new chancellor navigates Trump-era diplomacy Merz in the MAGA mirror

In a sharp, perceptive take published by POLITICO, the publication unpacks the early diplomatic moves of newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as he embarks on a whirlwind charm offensive with global leaders — and especially with Donald Trump. Though still fresh in office, Merz has already begun reshaping Berlin’s tone on foreign policy. But as POLITICO keenly observes, the results remain more symbolic than substantial.

Merz’s meeting with Trump — described in the piece as a diplomatic “first big test” — was surprisingly smooth. Trump even praised Merz as “a very great representative of Germany,” an outcome not guaranteed in the volatile atmosphere of the Oval Office. In contrast to his European counterparts Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, Merz avoided ostentatious gestures. His carefully curated gift — a framed copy of Trump’s grandfather’s birth certificate — may have been underwhelming, but it struck the right balance between respect and restraint.

Domestically and on the broader European stage, Merz has attempted to rebuild Germany’s position after Olaf Scholz’s lacklustre leadership. He has worked to improve relations with France, reopen dialogue with post-Brexit Britain, and engage Warsaw — though Poland’s recent right-wing presidential victory threatens to complicate those efforts. His outreach has included Baltic and Nordic visits and forming a seemingly warm rapport with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.

However, as POLITICO aptly notes, symbolism alone does not equal strategy. On the major crises of the day — the wars in Ukraine and Gaza — Germany, like France and the UK, has largely been relegated to the sidelines. Despite meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy three times in a month, Merz has failed to deliver on his campaign promise of sending Taurus missiles, instead opting for “strategic ambiguity.” On Gaza, Merz has maintained unwavering support for Israel, albeit with gentle criticisms of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions — a position rooted in Germany’s historical responsibility but increasingly at odds with shifting public sentiment.

The article identifies a notable shift in Berlin’s rhetoric. Merz has spoken of a “strategic cultural shift” to transform Germany from a “sleeping middle power” into a “leading middle power.” His foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, has even floated a bold — if aspirational — target of 5% of GDP for defence spending. Structural changes are underway, including the formation of a National Security Council and the Christian Democrats’ regained control of the Foreign Ministry.

Yet Germany’s policy remains inconsistent — especially in the Middle East — and Merz has not yet secured concrete wins. The upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, designed as a stage-managed celebration of Trump, will be another key moment. There, European leaders will hope to keep Trump engaged with the alliance — not an easy task given his erraticism.

By Vugar Khalilov