German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discusses commerce negotiations with the USA and Elon Musk’s involvement in German politics on ‘Particular Report.’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned President Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening his economic system, including that he believes free commerce and open markets are “the very best factor for mutual wealth” throughout a go to to the USA on Thursday.
Merz, who touched on a number of sizzling subjects throughout an interview on Fox Information’ “Particular Report,” was requested for his ideas on Elon Musk’s X publish, which said that Trump’s tariffs will trigger a recession within the second a part of the yr. The previous DOGE chief’s publish got here as he was partaking in a really public feud with the president.
Although the international chief mentioned he did not need to touch upon the “home debate,” he did say that the tariffs are “actually threatening [his] economic system,” including that Germany is “searching for methods to carry them down.”
GERMANY’S MERZ TO ‘ADAPT’ TO TRUMP DURING HIGH-STAKES MEETING ON TARIFFS, DEFENSE
President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet on the White Home in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 5, 2025. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque / Reuters)
“Our conviction is that free commerce, open markets is the very best factor for mutual wealth of our nations and of our continent,” Merz mentioned, partly.
“This is a matter which must be negotiated between the American authorities and the European Fee. We’re a part of Europe, so we’re within the dialogue, however I’ve my view on that.”
TRUMP WEIGHS ‘VERY HARSH’ RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL AS GERMAN CHANCELLOR SEEKS MORE PRESSURE ON PUTIN
Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and components, which is along with the momentary 10% tariff – which is down from 20% – on all items.
Merz mentioned “we must always carry them down” when briefly referencing his general opinion of the tariffs.
President Donald Trump holds a chart displaying the reciprocal tariffs imposed on buying and selling companions throughout an occasion within the Rose Backyard entitled “Make America Rich Once more” on the White Home in April 2. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP by way of Getty Pictures / Getty Pictures)
Trump has said that his final purpose is an open market, however solely when America is being handled pretty by commerce companions.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
As a part of the European Union, Germany imposes a ten% tariff on most American automotive imports.
