Triumphant CDU leader hits out at Washington and calls for stronger European security amid attempts to build government.

Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance — is a U.S.-loving former lawyer but he may clash with President Donald Trump, as Merz is a fierce defender of Europe and NATO.

During a conversation in front of cameras, relations broke down as Trump and Zelensky started arguing in front of reporters, leading to Vance jumping in and scolding Zelensky, accusing him of campaigning with Democrats in 2024 and not being "grateful" for U.S. support to fight off the Russian invasion.

Friedrich Merz said the US administration is "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe" and even suggested the Nato alliance could end.

Mr Trump thinks he can pursue the national interest more effectively through hyperactive transactions. Everything is up for grabs: territory, technology, minerals and more. “My whole life is deals,” he explained on February 24th,

An Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday afternoon turned into a public shouting match before talks broke off on an economic deal on natural resources from the European nation that could lead to end of the war with Russia.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is trying to be ubiquitous at a moment when Democrats nationally are stumbling for their footing.