In the run-up to Donald Trump's 80th birthday, which he celebrates on June 14, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing a dual gesture: a handwritten letter and a personal gift. Despite a recent cooling of relations between Berlin and Washington, diplomatic protocol demands adherence to tradition, and the G7 summit in Evian will serve as the stage for a personal meeting between the leaders.
Diplomatic Mission Before and After the Jubilee
Merz's plans are clearly scheduled. The handwritten congratulatory message will be delivered to the White House via a special courier before June 14. This will allow the Chancellor to express respect for the former US President's jubilee without waiting for a personal meeting. However, the main focus is on the G7 summit, which will take place on Monday on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is there that Merz will personally present Trump with a gift. Details of the present are being kept secret in government circles, though it is known that the Chancellor has already surprised the American leader with unconventional gifts on more than one occasion.
The history of Merz's gifts to Trump is full of interesting facts. During his first visit, the German leader brought a copy of Trump's grandfather's birth certificate from Kallstadt in the Palatinate, as well as a golf club. In March, an exact replica of the 1785 Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the USA and Prussia was presented. These gestures highlight the special bond between the two politicians, despite their political differences.
Grand Show on the South Lawn
Donald Trump's birthday itself promises to be a loud event. The celebration will take place on the South Lawn of the White House in the format of a large-scale mixed martial arts show by the UFC organization. The event includes seven fights, which will take place in the famous "Octagon." Organizers expect more than 100,000 spectators, and the cost of the show is estimated at $60 million, which the UFC will fully cover.
The idea of holding fights in an octagonal cage on the grounds of the US President's residence has sparked sharp controversy. Critics point to the potential danger to the athletes' health and consider it inappropriate to hold such a spectacular show in such a setting. Nevertheless, the plans remain unchanged, and after the celebration, Trump will travel to France for the G7 summit on the same evening.
The Shadow of Geopolitics Against the Backdrop of the Celebration
Despite the festive occasion, relations between Merz and Trump have cooled significantly. The reason was Merz's sharp condemnation of the American war with Iran. In response to the criticism, Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops from Germany, which became a serious blow to bilateral relations.
Currently, a bilateral meeting of leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit is considered likely, but it has not yet been officially confirmed. The presentation of the gift will probably be the only guaranteed moment of their interaction this time, where personal relations will try to overcome political tension.