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Politics

Merkel and Trump to meet

April 6, 2018

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet with US President Donald Trump in the next few weeks, the White House says. Relations between the two leaders have been strained over defense spending and trade.

https://p.dw.com/p/2vZs1
Angela Merkel and Donald Trump
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Kappeler

The White House on Thursday announced a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but said no date had yet been set.

The details for the "upcoming visit" are yet to be worked out, deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley told reporters en route to West Virginia, where Trump was to hold a meeting on tax reform.

German daily Bild reported that Merkel plans to visit Trump on April 27.

Read more: Merkel defends surplus as US threatens trade war

Testy relationship

After enjoying a close relationship with President Barack Obama, Merkel has seen her relationship with Washington worsen under Trump.

The pair have clashed over NATO defense spending, trade and the Iran nuclear deal.

Merkel last visited the White House a year ago, which will be best remembered for the testy news conference she held with the US leader.

Read more: Germany 'not fair' on defense spending, says Donald Trump

The US waited until just before her last meeting to confirm the talks.

The German government has not commented on the latest report.

mm/bw (AP, AFP, dpa)

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