Washington — Newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is meeting with President Trump at the White House on Thursday, with the two world leaders expected to address trade and tariffs, as well as Russia's war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.

It's their first in-person meeting since Merz, leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union party, won a parliamentary vote to become chancellor last month following an election in February.

Tariffs and trade are sure to be top of mind for the two leaders, with Mr. Trump's 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union set to take effect July 9. The EU, which includes Germany, has said it's preparing "countermeasures" to hit back. The 50% tariffs were set to start June 1, but Mr. Trump delayed the heavy tariffs

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