Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticized US President Donald Trump’s governing style, suggesting he approaches international politics with the mindset of a real estate developer rather than a diplomat.
According to reports from international media outlets cited by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Merkel argued that the US leader struggles with the concept of mutually beneficial agreements.
“He is a difficult partner because he cannot conceive of a scenario where both sides win in politics,” Merkel stated. “This likely stems from his career in real estate, where the rule is that only one person can acquire a plot of land. If the other party gets it, I have lost. This is the motto that guides Trump in politics as well.”
Merkel further noted that this perspective fosters deep skepticism toward multilateral organizations, which are founded on the principle of collective benefit. Addressing the current state of transatlantic relations, the former Chancellor warned that the West can no longer rely on shared values as it once did, adding, “This significantly weakens the unity we previously referred to as the West.”
The transatlantic relationship has historically been a cornerstone of global geopolitics since the post-World War II era. Merkel’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions regarding the shift toward more transactional foreign policy approaches in Washington, which have sparked debates among European leaders about the future of Western alliances and strategic autonomy.
