Four years ago, the joint program of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), labeled the United States as Germany's primary ally outside of Europe. The 2013 program emphasized the significance of the friendship with Washington as a key component of Germany's international relationships, aiming to enhance transatlantic economic connections by eliminating trade barriers. However, the latest election program, titled "For a Germany in which we live well and happily," does not include the terms "friend" or "friendship." Instead, the United States is referred to as Germany's primary partner outside of Europe. CDU officials have not yet provided a statement regarding the change in language. The change in wording highlights the declining relationship between Berlin and Washington since Donald Trump became President in January. Trump criticized Merkel during his presidential campaign, calling her migration policies "insane" and accusing Germany of having a trade surplus with the US. He also claimed that Germany and other NATO partners owed "massive amounts of money" and caused concern by withdrawing from the Paris climate accord. A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre showed that only 35 percent of Germans view the US favorably, compared to 57 percent at the end of Obama's term. Merkel is set to host Trump and other leaders at the G20 summit in Hamburg later this week. The 2017 election program for the CDU/CSU party makes reference to the historical support the US provided to Germany after World War Two and leading up to German reunification, in contrast to the focus on strengthening economic ties in the 2013 passage. The program also includes a statement made by Merkel following a challenging G7 summit, where she emphasized the need for Europeans to take control of their own destiny, as relying fully on others is no longer feasible. Additionally, while reiterating Germany's commitment to NATO, the program highlights the importance of the EU being able to defend itself independently for long-term survival. The text also includes a specific section called "Germany and France as the Driving Force of Europe," which promises to renew the alliance between the two nations. It states, "We are prepared, along with the new French administration, to gradually enhance the eurozone, such as by establishing its own monetary fund." However, it also rejects the idea of sharing debt in Europe and asserts that "solidarity" can only occur if EU countries adhere to the regulations of the bloc's Growth and Stability Pact.