Germany and the US have been strong allies for years, but after a rocky American election season and the controversy of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda, that close relationship has come into question. Both sides have publicly criticized each others key policies, but now German Chancellor Angela Merkel will have her chance to meet Trump face-to-face with her first visit to the White House on March 14.
The issue of immigration and open borders have been a key dividing factor between the two leaders, and it will surely be a topic of discussion when the two meet. Topics of discussion are expected to also include trade deals and their effects on the global economy, NATO, ISIS and the relationships between China and Russia.
On the campaign trail, Trump stated that Merkel was his most admired world leader, but also spared no effort to use her as an example of failed leadership.