Opinion by Mathew Carr

June 5, 2025 — German leader Friedrich Merz needs to channel his inner Trump when the two men meet later today in DC.

I say Merz should fight fire with fire.

Refuse to have a transparent meeting in the oval office that will allow Mr Trump to deploy his public-humiliation and bullying tactics.

Consider walking away, even before the meeting (or during it), saying Mr Trump is a reckless, violent, selfish chickenshit.

Ban Americans from travelling to Europe, until the USA does its fair share of climate action.

Add 50% tariffs on all the big over-charging, privacy-thieving American tech companies, which will give European tech rivals a leg up.

Require any military equipment bought by Europe to be made in Europe.

Form a military alliance with China.

Fine the US €500 billion for blowing up Nord Stream and requiring Europe to rely on climate-damaging American LNG.

Fine it €5 trillion for mismanaging NATO and starting the Ukraine war…and for decades of violent, imperial fuckery by the CIA, NSA, FBI …and the American military.

Fine it another €1 trillion for being in cahoots with Israel to warmonger and damage mental health, globally.

Fine it €2 trillion for global disinformation and propaganda.

Fine it another €5 trillion for abusing its currency and for deploying inflation upon the world.

Mr Merz, now that Germany has coughed up on military spending, you hold all the cards.

Most of all, enjoy!

Merz as a super hero, WordPress AI

Notes

Do a TACO Trump on this below and say “I chickened out like you always do”:

WSJ on Trump bans:

We all know, Donald, that the reason you need to ban these people, Donald….is that the USA has deployed such huge injustices upon these countries ….and they might seek retribution.

We can all play that game, Donald!