7/16/2019

EU/FOREIGN DIGNITARIES/GERMANY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Ursula von der Leyen has called Donald Trump’s discussions of NATO ‘immature,’ questioned why he wants to be a ‘best buddy’ with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and even suggested the president is uncomfortable with strong female leaders. Now she’ll be his main counterpart in the European Union. On Tuesday [7-16-19], von der Leyen became the European Commission’s next president, narrowly winning election in the European Parliament. The new role for von der Leyen, who headed Germany’s defense ministry for six years before she resigned on Wednesday, will put her at the forefront of negotiations with the U.S. over trade, technology and other major issues. But while von der Leyen has many admirers among American and European national security officials, even some of her fans worry that her ascent to the commission presidency will further fray the tenuous U.S.-EU relationship under Trump.”

Nahal Toosi, “Trump’s new EU foil: Another ‘strong female German leader’,” Politico, July 16, 2019 9:38 am