German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed surprise and cautious optimism following a phone call with Donald Trump, who was recently reelected as President of the United States. The Nov. 10 conversation, which Scholz described as “detailed and good,” primarily focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the geopolitical challenges surrounding it. The remarks, published in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung on Friday, offered a glimpse into the dynamics of the renewed U.S.-German relationship and the broader implications for European security.
Reflecting on his call with Trump, Scholz admitted he was positively surprised by the tone and content of the discussion. “That was — perhaps surprisingly — a very detailed and good conversation with the designated U.S. president,” Scholz said. The two leaders discussed Ukraine “at length,” though Scholz refrained from disclosing specific details, citing diplomatic appropriateness.
What stood out, according to Scholz, was the impression that Trump holds “a more differentiated position than is often assumed here.” The comment appeared to address concerns in Europe about Trump’s previous ambivalence toward NATO and his inconsistent statements regarding U.S. support for Ukraine during his first term in office.
This unexpected nuance in Trump’s stance could signal a shift in transatlantic relations, though it remains unclear how this will translate into concrete policies.
The interview also delved into fears of a potential backdoor deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine. Critics have speculated that Trump might seek to negotiate directly with Putin in ways that could undermine European interests or the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Scholz dismissed such concerns based on his recent conversation with Trump. “There was no indication of this in the conversation,” Scholz assured. This statement is likely to ease anxieties in Berlin and Brussels, where Trump’s perceived unpredictability has long been a source of unease.
Coinciding with his outreach to Trump, Scholz also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a separate phone call on Friday, marking the first direct exchange between the two leaders in nearly two years. The hour-long conversation, as reported by German media, revolved around the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for diplomatic engagement.
Asked why Putin might consider negotiations when Russia is reportedly making military gains, Scholz emphasized the need for direct communication. “Speculation about what’s going on in Putin’s head will get nowhere,” he said. “We’ll have to find out — including by talking to him about it.”
The backdrop to these conversations is a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences, challenging European security architecture and straining relations between Moscow and Western capitals. Scholz reiterated that Putin has failed to achieve his stated goals, pointing out that Russia has not conquered Ukraine in its entirety and that NATO has grown stronger, welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members.
“NATO is stronger than ever,” Scholz declared, underscoring the unity of the alliance in the face of Russian aggression.
Trump’s return to the White House has been met with a mix of apprehension and strategic calculation in Europe. His presidency from 2017 to 2021 was characterized by tension with traditional allies, skepticism of multilateral institutions like NATO, and a transactional approach to foreign policy. For European leaders like Scholz, navigating this renewed partnership will require balancing cautious optimism with preparedness for potential policy shifts.
Scholz’s description of his conversation with Trump as “good” is significant, given the history of strained relations during Trump’s first term. Germany had clashed with Trump on issues ranging from defense spending to trade policies, and his rhetoric often cast doubt on the strength of transatlantic ties.
However, Scholz’s acknowledgment of Trump’s “differentiated position” suggests a potential opening for dialogue and collaboration, particularly on shared priorities like addressing the war in Ukraine.
For Germany, maintaining strong transatlantic ties is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. As Europe’s largest economy and a key NATO member, Germany plays a pivotal role in shaping the alliance’s response to Russia’s aggression. Scholz’s diplomatic engagements with both Trump and Putin signal an attempt to position Germany as a bridge-builder in a complex international landscape.
This approach is not without risks. While engaging with Trump and Putin, Scholz must navigate domestic political pressures and skepticism from European partners wary of any concessions that might undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or the unity of the Western alliance.
As Trump prepares to assume office once more, the stakes for transatlantic relations are high. Key issues include sustaining military and economic support for Ukraine, countering Russian aggression, and addressing global challenges such as energy security and climate change.
Scholz’s comments provide a cautiously optimistic outlook, but much will depend on how Trump’s rhetoric translates into policy. European leaders will closely watch how the U.S. balances its domestic priorities with its role as a global leader under Trump’s renewed presidency.
For now, Scholz’s outreach to Trump and Putin represents a bid for diplomacy and dialogue in an era of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Whether these efforts will yield tangible results remains to be seen, but they underscore Germany’s commitment to playing an active role on the world stage.
