Payam Javan: President Donald Trump will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House for a critical meeting focused on strengthening transatlantic relations. The discussions, scheduled for next week, aim to address key issues such as trade, security, and cooperation on global challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions. Both leaders are expected to emphasize the importance of a unified approach to countering threats from adversaries and fostering economic partnerships between the U.S. and Germany.

The meeting comes at a pivotal moment as both nations navigate complex international dynamics, including tensions with China and Russia, and the ongoing need for NATO solidarity. Merz, a key figure in Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, has expressed a commitment to deepening ties with the U.S., while Trump is likely to push for increased German contributions to defense spending. This summit is seen as a step toward reinforcing the strategic alliance between Washington and Berlin in an increasingly volatile global landscape.