According to sources, Trump described Erdogan as a great guy to the German chancellor. Merkel listened politely before mentioning Erdogan's recent criticism of Germany and its European allies. Trump seemed surprised and unaware of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Berlin over Turkish ministers campaigning in Germany. The White House did not provide a comment when asked about the exchange. The German government has refused to comment on the situation, explaining that the call was confidential. This conversation occurred shortly after Chancellor Merkel visited President Trump in Washington, highlighting the difficulties she faces in trying to establish a relationship with a leader who many European officials have described as unpredictable, unprepared, and prone to exaggeration. 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 cities remain uncertain about the Trump administration's stance on key issues. Despite this uncertainty, there is some relief that Trump has not drastically changed US foreign policy as initially feared. For example, he has stopped referring to NATO as obsolete. He has maintained a distance from Russia's Vladimir Putin. Other than a comment about how an attack in Paris could benefit far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Trump has not interfered in European politics or tried to weaken the European Union. His National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, who caused controversy, has been replaced by H.R. McMaster, who is considered to be a reliable and stable presence. The power of Steve Bannon, the White House adviser that Europeans are most concerned about, may be diminishing. Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, stated that there is now a positive working relationship. However, there are still concerns about the president's character and policies on various issues. German officials are uneasy about a potential move towards protectionism under Trump, despite his softer approach towards China and decision to abandon plans for a border adjustment tax. European diplomats are worried about the lack of a clear U.S. strategy on Syria and believe that the sudden dismissal of FBI director James Comey demonstrates Trump's tendency to make impulsive decisions on critical matters. The reports of him sharing highly classified information with Russia's foreign minister during a meeting in the Oval Office last week are expected to increase the level of distrust in European capitals. A veteran German diplomat stated that while doubts about the professionalism of Trump's team have decreased, concerns about Trump himself, including his character, maturity, and trustworthiness, have intensified. Another German official emphasized the significant influence that Trump has on his administration. Merkel faces a unique challenge as few foreign leaders have as much at stake in the relationship. Germany heavily depends on the United States for its security, and any escalation of protectionist measures could harm its export-driven economy. A challenging G20 summit will take place in July in Hamburg, just before Germany's election, where Merkel will meet with Trump, Putin, Erdogan, and Xi Jinping. Merkel has had a longstanding relationship with Putin and Erdogan, as well as with two previous U.S. presidents. She developed a strong relationship with George W. Bush during his second term, which was focused on Europe. Despite a rocky beginning with Barack Obama, after initially denying him a speaking opportunity at the Brandenburg Gate during his 2008 campaign, 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 uncertain stance on Europe. His lack of popularity in Germany makes it difficult for her to align closely with him during an election year, as acknowledged by her aides. Despite previous tensions, there is a sense of contentment in Berlin that Merkel and Trump have had a relatively smooth beginning, with both leaders showing a willingness to cooperate based on shared values. They have had four phone conversations since Merkel's visit in March, and have downplayed the incident of Trump not shaking Merkel's hand during their meeting. Trump has even mentioned having a strong connection with Merkel, and German officials have noted Merkel's efforts to reduce tensions with Trump, such as inviting his daughter Ivanka to a G20 women's summit in Berlin. They point out that Trump has not withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, NAFTA, or the nuclear deal with Iran, despite his campaign promises to do so. Trump has indicated that he will wait until after a G7 summit in late May to decide on the climate agreement, with Merkel and other European leaders expected to push him to remain in the deal. A senior French official believes that the administration is receptive to outside influence and input, suggesting that Trump and his team may be more open to different perspectives than previously thought. During Merkel's visit in March, she took the time to explain to Trump and his team how the European Union operates, which lasted for four hours of meetings. This included a private meeting between the two leaders, a session with business executives, and a lunch. By the end of the meetings, Trump had abandoned his idea of pursuing a trade deal solely with Germany and acknowledged that only a deal with the EU was feasible. While German officials don't believe that reviving the TTIP agreement is likely, they were pleased that Trump seemed willing to negotiate with the EU and showed himself to be a receptive listener. Despite his aides reminding him it was time to leave for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump decided to delay his departure because the discussions were going well. Officials in the German chancellery were pleasantly surprised when, 10 days after the visit, Trump called Merkel to congratulate her on a surprise win for her party in the tiny state of Saarland - even if he used the call, one source said, to harp about "fake polls". The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The German government declined comment. 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, meeting with Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. German officials emphasize the significance of this outreach, as key positions in the State Department are still vacant over three months into Trump's presidency. However, it is also a way of hedging against uncertainty. With the unpredictability of who Trump is currently listening to and who he might listen to in the future, it is risky to rely solely on one source of influence within this administration, according to Robin Niblett, director of the London-based think tank Chatham House. Trump's behavior is unpredictable - one day he may agree to something, and the next day he may change his mind. It is important to be cautious and protect yourself, as he could easily put you in a difficult situation without warning.