Obama hosts German Chancellor Merkel at State Dinner (15 images)

From right, U.S. President Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany, First Lady Michelle Obama and Joachim Sauer, Merkel's husband, pose for a portrait at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 7, 2011. UPI/Joshua Roberts/POOL

A place setting is seen at a dinner preview for an official state dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House in Washington on June 7, 2011. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, and her husband Paul arrive for a State Dinner in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 7, 2011. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, and his wife Elaine Chao arrive for a State Dinner in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 7, 2011. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg