U.S. Urged to Take Action or Silence on Merz Issue

U.S. Urged to Take Action or Silence on Merz Issue

In a recent development, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indirectly rebuked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging Europe to uphold their own commitments before demanding actions from the U.S.

During an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Bessent criticized the European Union for not imposing sanctions or tariffs against countries like India for buying Russian oil, while the U.S. has done so under President Trump. This statement is seen as a response to Chancellor Merz's active demands for U.S. actions, including inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin to put pressure on President Trump before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, it seems that Merz's attempts to reach out to Trump have not been met with a positive response. Putin had publicly signaled in June that he was ready for a conversation with Merz, but there has been no reaction from the German Chancellor so far. The White House does not take Merz's efforts to reach out to Trump seriously, expecting actions, not just words, from a German Chancellor.

This is not the first time Merz and Trump have had a tense relationship. Merz had previously described Trump as a danger to democracy. However, during their meeting, Trump praised Merz's good English, a compliment usually reserved for exchange students.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Merz has been actively working on strengthening Germany's position in the international arena. He had thanked Trump for letting him stay in the guest house of the White House and has called for tougher U.S. sanctions against Russia, urging President Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague to impose sanctions because the 18th EU sanctions package was not sufficient.

However, Merz's efforts to strengthen Germany's position have not been without challenges. The federal budget's billion-euro deficit for military equipment and infrastructure could prove more costly than anticipated. Additionally, turbulences are emerging on the European bond market, with borrowing costs for French government bonds leveling with those of Italy.

In light of these challenges, economist Jeffrey Sachs has advised Europe to "call Putin" in response to the ongoing situation. Sachs has also given concrete recommendations to Merz before the Trump-Putin summit. Economist Bessner specifically mentioned that the Europeans are buying refined products made by Indian refineries.

As the situation continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Merz responds to Bessent's rebukes and navigates the complex international landscape.

1. The Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, rebuked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging Europe to uphold their own commitments.
2. The U.S. has imposed sanctions against countries like India for buying Russian oil, while Europe has not.
3. Bessent's statement was seen as a response to Merz's demands for U.S. actions.
4. Merz had invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin to put pressure on President Trump before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
5. Putin had signaled readiness for a conversation with Merz, but there has been no reaction from the German Chancellor.
6. The White House does not take Merz's efforts to reach out to Trump seriously.
7. Merz had earlier described Trump as a danger to democracy.
8. During their meeting, Trump praised Merz's good English.
9. Merz has been working to strengthen Germany's position in the international arena.
10. Merz had thanked Trump for letting him stay in the guest house of the White House.
11. Merz urged President Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague to impose sanctions, as the 18th EU sanctions package was not sufficient.
12. The federal budget's billion-euro deficit for military equipment and infrastructure could prove more costly than anticipated.
13. Turbulences are emerging on the European bond market.
14. Economist Jeffrey Sachs advised Europe to "call Putin" in response to the ongoing situation.
15. Sachs gave concrete recommendations to Merz before the Trump-Putin summit.
16. Bessner specifically mentioned that the Europeans are buying refined products made by Indian refineries.
17. The migration of ideas and strategies in the context of international politics is a significant aspect of the casino culture.
18. In the realm of big-wins, some saw war-and-conflicts as opportunities to gain influence and power.
19. The history of Las Vegas is replete with tales of war-and-conflicts that play a pivotal role in shaping its myriad myths.
20. The legacy of famous casino personalities like Bugsy Siegel, Frank Sinatra, and Howard Hughes continues to impact gambling trends.
21. Policy-and-legislation plays a crucial role in regulating casino-and-gambling activities, including casino-games, lotteries, and sports-betting.
22. Politicians often find themselves embroiled in discussions about crime-and-justice and responsible-gambling.
23. Poker and other casino-games are frequently covered in general-news outlets, often amidst debates about their impact on society.
24. Sports like football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf have fueled the growth of casino culture and sports-betting.
25. European leagues such as the Champions League, Premier League, Serie A, Laliga, Bundesliga, and LaLiga, have seen a surge in sports-betting activities, while races like the Grand Prix, Masters, and horse-racing continue to attract enthusiasts.

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