According to sources, Trump praised Erdogan to the German chancellor, who then informed him of Erdogan's recent criticism towards Germany and its allies. Trump seemed unaware of the tension between Ankara and Berlin over Turkish ministers campaigning in Germany. The White House did not provide a comment on the situation. The German government refused to make a statement, stating that the call was confidential. This conversation took place shortly after Chancellor Merkel visited President Trump in Washington, highlighting the difficulties she faces in establishing a relationship with a leader who European officials have described as unpredictable, unprepared, and prone to exaggerated statements. Six months after Trump's election and just over a week before his first trip to Europe as president, officials in Berlin and other European capitals are still uncertain about the Trump administration's stance on key issues. Despite this uncertainty, there is some relief that US foreign policy has not drastically changed as feared since Trump took office. Trump has since stopped calling NATO outdated. He has maintained distance from Russia's Vladimir Putin. With the exception of a recent comment linking an attack in Paris to far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Trump has not interfered in European affairs or tried to weaken the European Union. His National Security Adviser Mike Flynn was dismissed and replaced by H.R. McMaster, who is viewed as a competent and stable figure. The power of Steve Bannon, a White House adviser that concerns Europeans, may be diminishing. Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, stated that there is a positive working relationship currently. However, there are ongoing concerns about the president's character and his various policies. German officials are particularly worried about potential protectionist measures under Trump, despite his softer approach towards China and his decision to abandon plans for a border adjustment tax. European diplomats are also uneasy about the perceived lack of a clear U.S. strategy on Syria, with some expressing apprehension after the sudden dismissal of FBI director James Comey, which they believe demonstrates Trump's tendency to make impulsive decisions on significant matters. Reports that he shared extremely confidential information with the Russian foreign minister during a meeting in the Oval Office last week are expected to increase the level of distrust in European capitals. "Concerns about the competence of Trump's team, particularly in foreign and security matters, have diminished," noted one experienced German diplomat. "However, doubts about Trump himself, including his personality, maturity, and reliability, have only intensified." Another German official added, "The impact of Trump on his own administration should not be underestimated." German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a particularly challenging situation due to her reliance on the relationship with Trump. Germany depends greatly on the United States for its security. A reciprocal protectionist escalation could put its export-driven economy at risk. In July, just before Germany's election, Merkel will host a challenging G20 summit in Hamburg, where Trump is set to meet Putin for the first time. Turkish President Erdogan and China's Xi Jinping will also attend. Merkel has been in conflict with Putin and Erdogan for more than ten years and has collaborated with two U.S. presidents prior to Trump. She developed a strong relationship with George W. Bush during his second term, which was more favorable towards Europe. Despite a rocky start with Barack Obama when she denied him a chance to speak at the Brandenburg Gate in 2008, they eventually formed a close bond. Prior to meeting with Trump in Brussels on May 25, she will be seen with Obama at the central Berlin landmark. Trump poses a distinct challenge due to his unpredictable nature and mixed feelings towards Europe. He is not well-liked in Germany, making it politically difficult for her to align too closely with him during an election year, as acknowledged by her aides. Despite previous tensions between Merkel and Trump, there is a sense of satisfaction in Berlin that they have started their relationship relatively smoothly. They have spoken on the phone four times since mid-March and both leaders have downplayed the incident where Trump did not shake Merkel's hand during her visit to the Oval Office. Trump has even mentioned that he has good chemistry with Merkel. German officials believe that Merkel is making a systematic effort to minimize tensions with Trump, as shown by her invitation to his daughter Ivanka to attend a G20 women's summit in Berlin. They observe that Trump has not withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, NAFTA, or the nuclear agreement with Iran, despite his campaign promises to do so. Trump has stated that he will wait until after the G7 summit in late May to decide on the climate agreement, where Merkel and other European leaders are likely to strongly advocate for him to remain in the agreement. A senior French official remarked that there are indications that Trump's administration can be influenced, as they are receptive to input and may be more flexible and receptive to different perspectives than previously believed. During Merkel's visit in March, she took the time to explain to Trump and his team how the European Union operated. After four hours of meetings, which included a one-on-one session between the two leaders, a meeting with business executives, and a lunch, Trump abandoned his push for a bilateral trade deal with Germany and agreed that only a deal with the EU was feasible. While German officials believe that the chances of reviving TTIP, the transatlantic trade deal Europe attempted to finalize with Obama, are slim, they were pleased that Trump appeared willing to negotiate with the EU. They were also relieved that Trump was receptive to their concerns. At the end of a two-hour lunch, Trump's aides reminded him it was time to head to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the weekend, but he declined, stating that the discussion was going well and he needed to stay. German officials were pleasantly surprised when, 10 days after a visit, Trump called Merkel to congratulate her on a surprising win for her party in Saarland. However, one source mentioned that during the call, Trump complained about "fake polls". The White House did not respond to a request for comment, and the German government also declined to comment. In recent months, German officials have been actively reaching out to various officials in Washington, including those in the White House and Congress. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble met with Trump's economic adviser Gary Cohn during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank last month. His deputy Jens Spahn visited the White House and met with Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. German officials believe this outreach is crucial due to the vacancies in top policy positions at the State Department since Trump's inauguration. However, it is also a way to hedge their bets as no one can predict who Trump will be influenced by today or in the future. Robin Niblett, director of the London-based think tank Chatham House, emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one source of influence within the administration. Trump's behavior is inconsistent, with deals being made one day and then falling through the next. It is important to be cautious and protect yourself, as he can turn on you unexpectedly.