For better or worse, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s much-anticipated visit to the White House became a backdrop to the Trump-Musk meltdown.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Germany, Europe's largest economy, was ready to take over a greater leadership role on future trade agreements as the United States and the EU race to reach a trade deal before a July 9 deadline.

Germany is the largest economy within the EU, and taken together, the EU accounts for even more trade with the U.S. than China.