Merkel surprises at Obama Museum opening in Chicago
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a surprise appearance at the inauguration of the Barack Obama Presidential Museum in Chicago. She joined other former world leaders on stage, including ex-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Merkel received a standing ovation from the invited guests. Also present were former Vice President Kamala Harris, former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Joe Biden, and former Republican President George W. Bush. The museum features a section highlighting Obama's speech at the Brandenburg Gate with Merkel as an example of his diplomatic efforts, though their relationship was not without strain—the US had tapped Merkel's phone, prompting her criticism that spying among friends is unacceptable. The entire campus opens to the public on June 19, with tickets required for museum entry.
Key facts
- Angela Merkel attended Obama Museum opening in Chicago
- Other former leaders included Justin Trudeau and Matteo Renzi
- Merkel received standing ovation
- Kamala Harris, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, George W. Bush also attended
- Museum features Obama's Brandenburg Gate speech with Merkel
- US wiretapped Merkel's phone, she criticized it
- Campus opens to public June 19
- Tickets required for museum entry
Entities
Institutions
- Barack Obama Presidential Museum
- Brandenburg Gate
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Germany