Trump Meets German Chancellor Merz at White House for First Talks

President Trump expressed surprise and disappointment over Elon Musk's criticism of his recent legislation, which Trump described as a "huge tax cut" and suggested Musk's displeasure was linked to the removal of the Electric Vehicle mandate. Despite this tension, Trump emphasized their past positive relationship. On June 5, 2025, Trump met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House for talks addressing key issues including the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts as well as challenging trade relations, marking Scholz's first official visit since taking office. Ahead of this meeting, Trump also held a significant phone call with China's leader Xi Jinping, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement. These interactions underscore the complex landscape of international diplomacy and domestic policy under President Trump's administration. The evolving dynamics between Trump and influential figures like Musk, as well as with global leaders, may have implications for future U.S. policies.