In a candid interview with German weekly Der Spiegel, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflected on Donald Trumpโs return to power, describing it as a moment of โsorrowโ and a significant challenge for global diplomacy. Merkel, who worked with four U.S. presidents during her tenure, revealed that Trumpโs leadership posed unique difficulties, particularly for multilateralism.
A โCompetitionโ in Every Meeting
Merkel described her interactions with Trump as fundamentally adversarial. โEvery meeting was a competition: you or me,โ 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, โDo you want to have a handshake?โ Trump ignored her, keeping his hands clasped. Merkel now sees this as a deliberate move. โHis refusal was calculation,โ she explained, highlighting his strategic use of such moments to assert dominance.
JUST IN: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel feels โsorrowโ over Donald Trumpโs election victory โ AP
She said that meeting with Trump always felt like a โcompetition.โ
โThe more people there were in the room, the greater was his urge to be the winner,โ she said.
โYou canโtโฆ pic.twitter.com/egtIyH5ePq
โ Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 23, 2024
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Trumpโs Approach: โCuriosity for Advantageโ
Merkel offered insight into Trumpโs leadership style, describing him as curious and detail-oriented โ but only when it served his advantage. โHe wanted details to strengthen himself and weaken others,โ she said. She also observed that his need to assert victory grew with the size of the audience. โThe more people in the room, the greater his urge to be the winner.โ
A Challenge for Global Stability
Merkel underscored the global implications of Trumpโs presidency. โHe is a challenge for the world, particularly for multilateralism,โ she said, adding that Trumpโs return to power is daunting given the U.S. economyโs dominance and the dollarโs global influence. Merkel lamented Trumpโs victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, admitting, โI would have liked a different outcome.โ She also expressed disappointment over Hillary Clintonโs loss in 2016.
Reflecting on a Difficult Partnership
During her 16 years in office, Merkelโs 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 Trumpโs leadership created on the world stageโdivisions that remain relevant as he reclaims the Oval Office. For Merkel, Trumpโs presidency continues to represent a challenge not just for Germany but for the international order as a whole.
Featured image via screengrab