Merz: arguing with Trump is pointless — Zelensky’s example is telling

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that engaging in arguments with U.S. President Donald Trump makes no sense. He made the statement in an interview with ABC, responding to a question about keeping composure when communicating with the American leader.

“There is no point in getting into arguments in such a setting. If you look at those who did, they were not lucky,” Merz said.

As an example, the German chancellor cited Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to Washington in 2025: after critical remarks from Trump, the Ukrainian president left the White House ahead of schedule. Merz added that he himself prefers to adapt to his negotiating partners.

Relations between Merz and Trump are nonetheless described as tense. Due to disagreements over the approach to the conflict with Iran, the U.S. decided to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and froze plans to supply Tomahawk missiles.