European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent interactions with Donald Trump highlight her influence and a shared focus on key global issues.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has received an unusual accolade from a long-time critic of the EU: praise from Donald Trump. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump recently called von der Leyen “one of Europe’s most powerful people,” lauding a recent trade deal and her efforts to improve trans-Atlantic relations.
The two leaders, who had a private discussion on Ukraine, China, and trade at a G7 summit, have also expressed concern over Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces. Von der Leyen has stated that cooperation with the U.S. brings “tangible benefits on both sides.”
Who is Ursula von der Leyen?
Born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels, Belgium, Ursula von der Leyen is a German politician and the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission since 2019. She was re-elected for a second five-year term in July 2024.
- Early Life & Education: The daughter of a former politician, von der Leyen initially studied economics before switching to medicine. She earned her medical degree and a doctorate from Hanover Medical School in Germany.
- Political Career: Von der Leyen has held several key ministerial roles in Germany, including Minister of Family Affairs, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and notably, Germany’s first female Minister of Defence.
- European Commission President: As the head of the European Commission, she has led major initiatives like the “Readiness 2030” plan, which aims to mobilize hundreds of billions of Euros to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities.
A Recent Incident and Political Influence
In a recent incident, von der Leyen’s plane experienced a GPS jamming incident while en route to Bulgaria. The pilot had to rely on traditional navigation methods to land safely. While Bulgarian authorities suspect Russian interference, the Kremlin has denied any involvement.
This event, alongside her high-profile interactions with global leaders like Donald Trump, underscores her position as a key figure in international politics. Her focus on strengthening Europe’s defense and fostering cooperation with the U.S. is central to her leadership as she embarks on her second term
