Merkel besucht US-Präsident Trump in Washington

Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) will meet for the first time with the new US President Donald Trump on Friday in Washington. Trump Merkel in the White House initially receives a talk on the transatlantic partnership and international crises (16.20 CET, joint press conference 18.20 CET). Afterwards, the focus will be on economic policy, with representatives from German and US companies taking part in a dialogue.

After Trump repeatedly criticized the Chancellor for her refugee policy, Merkel wants to lay the foundations for future cooperation with her visit to Washington. Merkel is likely to emphasize the importance of free trade for the economies of both countries in the face of protectionist threats from the US president. Originally, Merkel wanted to travel to Washington already at the beginning of the week, but the visit was postponed due to a winter break on the US east coast.