German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully convinced her fellow leaders to support a single communique with pledges on trade, finance, energy, and Africa at a meeting in Hamburg, showcasing her mediation skills ahead of a German election. However, there was a clear divide between President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the other 19 members of the group, which includes countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord created tension during the negotiations, with Merkel noting that the discussions on climate were largely in opposition to the United States. She also mentioned that trade negotiations were challenging due to the specific stances taken by the US. The summit in Hamburg was marked by violent protests, with burning cars and broken shop windows littering the streets. It brought together a mix of leaders during a time of significant changes in global politics. Trump's new approach to diplomacy has created a leadership vacuum, causing concern among traditional allies in Europe and allowing countries like China to take on a more prominent role. Tensions between the US and China were a major focus leading up to the meeting, with Trump pressuring President Xi Jinping on North Korea and threatening trade measures. Trump's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg was highly anticipated, given his campaign promise of improved relations with Moscow despite accusations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into his associates' ties to Russia. Putin stated after the summit that Trump had questioned him on the alleged meddling during a two-hour meeting, but appeared satisfied with Putin's denials of involvement. Trump accused Russia of destabilizing Ukraine and Syria before the summit, but in Hamburg, he took a more conciliatory approach. He expressed honor in meeting Putin and indicated, through Rex Tillerson, that he wanted to focus on future relationships rather than dwelling on the past. Tillerson described the meeting as highly significant, highlighting a positive chemistry between Trump and Putin. The final communique noted the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, which was deemed irreversible by the 19 other leaders. The US also included a controversial statement pledging to work with other nations to access and use fossil fuels in a cleaner and more efficient manner. French President Emmanuel Macron spearheaded an effort to moderate the language used by the United States. Thomas Bernes, a prominent fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, noted the absence of a clear consensus without the US, highlighting the significance of having the world's largest economy on board. Jennifer Morgan, the executive director at Greenpeace, commended the G19 for standing firm against President Trump's controversial choice to pull out of the Paris Agreement. The leaders agreed to oppose protectionism and unfair trade practices, and acknowledged the importance of legitimate trade defense mechanisms. They also committed to collaborating on promoting economic development in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. Merkel deliberately chose to host the summit in Hamburg, her birthplace, to demonstrate Germany's welcoming attitude towards the world and its acceptance of peaceful protests. The summit took place near the "Rote Flora," a former theater occupied by anti-capitalist squatters for nearly thirty years, which is a significant symbol of left-wing resistance in Germany. Throughout the summit, violent protests occurred, with radicals looting stores and setting vehicles on fire. Over 200 police officers were hurt, and around 143 individuals were arrested with 122 detained. The Elbphilharmonie, a contemporary concert hall with a glass exterior offering views of the Elbe River, saw significant damage during a concert and dinner event hosted by Merkel for other leaders. Following the summit, Merkel expressed gratitude towards the police and security personnel and criticized the extreme violence exhibited by some protestors. However, she faced challenging inquiries about choosing Hamburg as the summit location during the final press conference.