What should we expect when Trump meets 'total disgrace' Merkel?

What should we expect when Trump meets 'total disgrace' Merkel?

What Trump and Merkel have said about each other

Angela Merkel's last visit to the White House was at the invitation of her good friend Barack Obama.

The two enjoyed a mutual respect. Obama praised Merkel's decision to allow large numbers of Syrian refugees into Germany, declaring her to be on the "right side of history".

Conversely, Donald Trump accused Merkel of "ruining Germany" and called her policies "a total disgrace".

By now, the president should be used to encounters with people he's offended. His latest with Chancellor Merkel will call for a heavy dose of bygones.

When Trump won the election Merkel offered a low key congratulations that was carefully worded to make a point.


Image: Angela Merkel is flying to Washington for her first meeting with Donald Trump

"Germany and America are bound by their values - democracy, freedom, the respect for the law and the dignity of human beings, independent of their origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political position," she offered.

"On the basis of these values, I offer the future president of the United States, Donald Trump, close cooperation."

But those hoping for a showdown will likely be disappointed. Merkel is well practised in handling tricky male leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi.

In the run up to this visit Trump has softened his tone, saying that apart from "the whole immigration thing" she is a great world leader.

Image: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then US President Barack Obama have dinner at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin in November 2016

The German leader's focus will be less on lecturing and more about strategic gains for her country.

Like every leader meeting Trump for the first time, trade will be a big factor. The US is crucial for Germany when it comes to exports.

A priority for Merkel will be pushing for barrier-free trade between her country and the US after Trump had raised the possibility of imposing a 35% border tax on German cars.

BMW's biggest plant is in South Carolina - its CEO will take part in a roundtable conversation with the two leaders.

Issues like NATO, the EU, North Korea and Islamic State will mean there's plenty to talk about aside from their differing stance on refugees.

In typical superlative fashion Trump predicted their partnership will be "tremendous".

Merkel has every interest in ensuring that expectation is met.