August 11, 2025: Europe Prepares For Trump-Putin Summit, Merz's Gaza Split, UK's Deportation Push & French Tax Protests

11/08/2025 11 min

Listen "August 11, 2025: Europe Prepares For Trump-Putin Summit, Merz's Gaza Split, UK's Deportation Push & French Tax Protests"

Episode Synopsis

European leaders are in diplomatic overdrive as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday. With fears of a backroom deal being struck over their heads, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other EU leaders are desperately trying to influence the talks and secure a seat at the table for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The high-stakes summit adds to a turbulent first summer in office for Chancellor Merz, who is also facing an internal revolt over his decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel amid its escalating offensive in Gaza. We dive into the "Klondike confusion" rattling Europe's capitals, from Berlin to Brussels and London.

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