In a candid interview with German weekly Der Spiegel, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflected on Donald Trump’s return to power, describing it as a moment of “sorrow” and a significant challenge for global diplomacy. Merkel, who worked with four U.S. presidents during her tenure, revealed that Trump’s leadership posed unique difficulties, particularly for multilateralism.
A “Competition” in Every Meeting
Merkel described her interactions with Trump as fundamentally adversarial. “Every meeting was a competition: you or me,” she said, recounting the tension that defined their professional relationship. The former chancellor recalled a famously awkward Oval Office moment in 2017, during her first visit to the Trump White House. Photographers requested a handshake, prompting Merkel to ask, “Do you want to have a handshake?” Trump ignored her, keeping his hands clasped. Merkel now sees this as a deliberate move. “His refusal was calculation,” she explained, highlighting his strategic use of such moments to assert dominance.
JUST IN: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel feels “sorrow” over Donald Trump’s election victory – AP
She said that meeting with Trump always felt like a “competition.”
“The more people there were in the room, the greater was his urge to be the winner,” she said.
“You can’t… pic.twitter.com/egtIyH5ePq
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 23, 2024
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Trump’s Approach: “Curiosity for Advantage”
Merkel offered insight into Trump’s leadership style, describing him as curious and detail-oriented — but only when it served his advantage. “He wanted details to strengthen himself and weaken others,” she said. She also observed that his need to assert victory grew with the size of the audience. “The more people in the room, the greater his urge to be the winner.”
A Challenge for Global Stability
Merkel underscored the global implications of Trump’s presidency. “He is a challenge for the world, particularly for multilateralism,” she said, adding that Trump’s return to power is daunting given the U.S. economy’s dominance and the dollar’s global influence. Merkel lamented Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, admitting, “I would have liked a different outcome.” She also expressed disappointment over Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016.
Reflecting on a Difficult Partnership
During her 16 years in office, Merkel’s first encounter with Trump set the tone for a tense relationship between Berlin and Washington. The period was marked by stark disagreements on issues ranging from climate change to trade and NATO. Despite these challenges, Merkel maintained a pragmatic approach, seeking constructive engagement where possible.
As Merkel prepares to release her memoirs, her reflections offer a stark reminder of the deep divisions Trump’s leadership created on the world stage—divisions that remain relevant as he reclaims the Oval Office. For Merkel, Trump’s presidency continues to represent a challenge not just for Germany but for the international order as a whole.
Featured image via screengrab
