Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who stepped down in 2021 after leading Germany for 16 years, has offered sharp criticism of President-elect Donald Trump, with whom she had a turbulent relationship on the international stage.
According to a Politico Europe report published Wednesday, Merkel’s forthcoming memoir reveals her experiences during Trump’s first term. She characterizes him as someone who views global affairs through the mindset of a real estate developer. Merkel explains that Trump’s approach is rooted in the belief that there’s only one opportunity to secure key deals or permits in any situation—and if he doesn’t get them, his competitors will. Merkel further asserts that, in Trump’s worldview, nations are in constant competition, and one country’s success means another’s failure. She argues that Trump fundamentally rejects the idea of mutual prosperity through cooperation.
Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years, had a strained relationship with Trump throughout his presidency. His hostility was made clear when he famously ignored her attempt to shake hands during their first meeting in the Oval Office in 2017. In her memoir, Merkel recalls feeling disheartened on her flight back to Germany. “The only conclusion I could draw from that meeting was that the international community would not be able to cooperate with Trump,” she writes. She also notes that during their conversations, Trump seemed more interested in finding new points of contention in her remarks than in engaging in substantive dialogue.
Merkel also reflects on Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that it was clear Trump was fascinated by the Russian leader. Over time, Merkel believed that Trump was drawn to authoritarian and dictatorial leaders.
In another revealing moment, Merkel shared that, ahead of the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg, she sought advice from Pope Francis on how to engage Trump, who had just announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Without naming Trump, Merkel asked the Pope, “How do you resolve a situation when fundamental differences exist with very important people?” According to Merkel, the Pope responded with a piece of advice: “Bend, bend, bend—but do not bend so much that you break.”