Merz Gifts Trump Golf Club Treasures in Unlikely Diplomatic Move

Oval Office, Washington, D.C., USA - On June 6, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made headlines by visiting U.S. President Donald Trump, bringing along an intriguing selection of gifts. Among these were a copy of Trump’s grandfather’s birth certificate and a specially engraved golf club featuring the flags of both nations. The Bundespresseamt even released a photo of Trump trying out the new putter in the Oval Office, a space where he feels quite at home.

This thoughtful gesture comes as both leaders share a passion for golf; Merz, who occasionally enjoys a round, presented the club to enhance their diplomatic relations. The golf club is fitting, as Trump has a storied love for the game, previously playing with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. Trump, delighted with his gifts, described the birth certificate replica as „beautiful,“ declaring it would find a place on his wall, highlighting the personal touch in his relationship with the German chancellor. In return, Trump gifted Merz a vintage flight jacket and a copy of the Wright brothers’ patent for the ‚Flying Machine.‘

A Complex Relationship

The meeting showcases a complex relationship between the two leaders, particularly in light of their respective political standings back home. According to fr.de, Merz plans to close all borders on the first day of his chancellorship, a move that echoes Trump’s controversial immigration policies. Political psychologist Prof. Thomas Kliche points out that while Merz and Trump may share similar backgrounds as prominent white men in business, there are stark differences in their governance styles. Kliche describes Merz as a more collaborative figure, in contrast to Trump’s often unilateral and aggressive decision-making.

This sentiment is echoed in Merz’s political maneuvering within Germany, particularly regarding immigration issues. Recently, during a debate, Merz faced off with Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Scholz warned that Merz’s attempts to engage with these far-right sentiments might weaken a historical political barrier designed to protect democracy post-World War II. The discourse around this has sparked fears of normalizing extremist positions in German politics, which Merz vehemently denies, claiming no intention to collaborate with the AfD.

Political Tensions

The current political landscape indicates a tightening race, with Merz’s conservatives now polling ahead of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD). This tension was visible in their debates, as Merz criticized the SPD’s handling of policies that he believes have inadvertently allowed the AfD to gain traction among voters. Political analysts, observing this clash, predict that the outcome may sway significantly either way as tensions heat up ahead of the elections.

Notably, while Merz seeks to embrace a more Trump-like approach to issues at home, he walks a fine line—a chancellorship intertwined with coalition politics where compromise is essential. Kliche emphasizes that any future negotiations with Trump will require assertiveness, as the former president respects those who stand their ground.

As the political zeitgeist shifts in Germany, the reflection on Merz’s diplomatic gestures with Trump provides insight into his approach, revealing a leader who is keenly aware of the complexities involved in navigating international relationships while also addressing domestic challenges.