Merz-Trump Phone Call Canceled Without Explanation

A phone call scheduled between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump was called off Tuesday without any public explanation from either the German Chancellery or the White House, German government sources confirmed.

The call had been arranged to discuss, among other topics, the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential peace talks, following Trump's reported phone call with Russian President Putin. The cancellation was described as coming at the last minute.

German officials declined to comment on the reasons for the cancellation. The White House also did not provide any explanation. The episode is likely to fuel speculation about tensions in the bilateral relationship, which has seen friction over trade tariffs, defense spending, and differences in approach to the Ukraine conflict.

Merz, who became Chancellor in early 2025, has been attempting to rebuild and strengthen Germany's relationship with Washington, including through personal diplomacy with Trump. The canceled call represents at least a temporary setback in those efforts.

Aides to Merz said they expect the call to be rescheduled, but declined to say when that might happen.