President Trump to meet Germany’s Chancellor and speak with Xi as Senate Republicans work to finalize a massive legislative package.

Diplomatic Engagements and Legislative Pressure Define the Week

President Donald Trump’s 20th week in office is set to be one of high-stakes diplomacy and legislative urgency. On Thursday, he will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, and a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to take place during the week to address escalating trade tensions.

The White House confirmed the Merz meeting will focus on the war in Ukraine and U.S.-German trade relations. The chancellor’s visit follows a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Germany agreed to expand its support for Ukraine. Merz and Trump are also expected to hold a press conference following their discussions.

This marks their first in-person meeting since Merz assumed office in May. Tensions between Merz and the Trump administration recently flared after Germany classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “proven right-wing extremist organization.” American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticized the designation, prompting Merz to caution U.S. leaders against interfering in German domestic politics.

“We have not taken sides with either candidate [in U.S. elections],” Merz said, “and I ask you to accept that in return.”

Trade Talks with Xi and Tariff Tensions

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Sunday that Trump is preparing for a call with President Xi to discuss tariff issues and ongoing trade negotiations. Although the exact timing remains uncertain, Hassett emphasized that discussions are already happening daily between trade teams.

“President Trump, we expect, is going to have a wonderful conversation about the trade negotiations this week with President Xi,” Hassett said. Trump previously accused China of violating a preliminary deal that reduced U.S. tariffs from 145% to 30% and China’s from 125% to 10%.

“I made a FAST DEAL with China... the bad news is that China... HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted on Truth Social last week, vowing to take a tougher stance moving forward.

Senate Pushes Forward on Debt-Laden Megabill

Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing to review the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a multitrillion-dollar legislative package advancing Trump’s policy agenda on taxes, immigration, energy, defense, and debt. While the House narrowly passed the bill last month, concerns over its potential to add $3 trillion to the national debt persist.

Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., reiterated his opposition unless the bill separates out the debt ceiling hike. “If you take the debt ceiling off the bill, I’m pretty much a ‘yes’ on most of the rest,” he said.

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., warned that the House version would push the U.S. toward $60 trillion in debt within a decade. “We’ve got to go through every line of the budget,” he stated.

Others, including Senator Mike Rounds, R-S.D., argued that the bill is necessary to prevent a $2,400 tax increase for the average American family. “We don’t have a choice,” Rounds said. “It’s critical that we pass this bill.”

Trump continues to urge GOP unity, calling the bill “arguably the most significant piece of legislation that will ever be signed in the history of our country.” As the Senate enters a pivotal stretch, both foreign policy engagements and domestic negotiations are set to shape a defining week for the Trump administration.