This is how critical the New York Times assesses Friedrich Merz's behavior with Donald Trump in the Oval Office

First, Friedrich Merz received good marks for his demeanor: "The German Chancellor Cracks the Trump Code," was the headline of the New York Times' analysis of Merz's visit to Washington. "But why?" it asked at the same time. After all, Friedrich Merz hadn't achieved any concrete successes. The newspaper described the German Chancellor's behavior during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in Washington as "reverential."

Merz rarely spoke, and he giggled when Trump first said he wasn't friends with anyone and then, "I'm friends with you." At that point, it was clear that the German Chancellor had passed his test with the unpredictable American president. The New York Times journalists apparently didn't consider this a given: In the past, Trump had made no secret of his antipathy toward Germany's political leaders.

But Trump and Merz acted like good friends from the start. The New York Times explains this, among other things, with Merz's appearance: He is a tall man, which Trump seems to like. His English is excellent – ​​for which he received praise from Trump – and he comes from the world of business. Trump was also pleased with Merz's gift . The Chancellor presented the American President with a framed copy of the German birth certificate of his grandfather, who came from the Palatinate region. "Fantastic," said Trump. He promised to hang it in a place of honor.

Trump also praised Merz for his support of Trump's opposition to a natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, which had been supported by Angela Merkel . The New York Times explained that Merz, like Trump, had fallen out with Merkel.

Merz even smiled at insults, the New York Times notes

Merz did not object in any way to Trump's assertiveness in meetings with foreign partners, the NYT journalists observed. Instead, he remained silent for minutes and even smiled at minor insults. For example, when Trump asked whether it was a good idea for Germany to increase its military spending, even though the American president had urged the Germans to do so.

Merz tried to convince Trump that the European Union was not created to compete with America, but to bring peace to the continent. Regarding the president's complaints about trade policy, Merz said that Europeans buy a large number of cars made in the United States—including Merz's own vehicle, a BMW X3 built in Spartanburg, SC.

If all this was to no avail, one could summarize the New York Times' conclusion: "Mr. Merz left the country without any concrete political successes." Trump had neither offered further weapons or other support for Ukraine , nor had there been a breakthrough in trade policy. Nevertheless, Merz was pleased, he said, and had spoken of openness and collegiality with Trump. They could build on that and certainly have very good discussions in the future. The New York Times' analysis: "Now Merz hopes he can translate the relationship into political successes."