“Power is maximally concentrated in the hands of the president”
President-elect Donald Trump at the evening rally on January 19 in Washington DC
German Ambassador to the US Andreas Michaelis sent a diplomatic cable home to warn that Mr. Trump’s upcoming agenda will greatly affect the system of checks and balances of power in American politics, according to AP.
The ambassador predicted that Mr. Trump’s policies would “concentrate maximum power in the hands of the president and reduce the rights of Congress and the states.” The independence of the legislative branch, law enforcement agencies and the media will be taken away and used as political arms. “Big Tech (giant technology companies) will be given co-governance rights,” the report stated.
“His policy of maximum disruption, disruption of the established political and bureaucratic order, and his plans for revenge mean a redefinition of the new constitutional order,” said Ambassador Michaelis. write.
In the report, Mr. Michaelis acknowledged that Mr. Trump was motivated by “a desire for revenge”.
According to AP, the telegram was sent to the German Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister Olaf Scholz’s Office last week. The report was published by the media shortly before Mr. Trump took office. Mr. Michaelis will represent the German government at the inauguration ceremony on January 20.
Billionaire Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC on January 19
Duc confirmed the telegram
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed the existence of the above telegram, according to AFP. “Of course the embassies write reports, it’s their duty, especially during times of change of government, so we know what’s going to happen. The US president announced what he intend to do and of course we have to prepare for that,” Ms. Baerbock said, emphasizing that she will continue to work closely with the US but will also protect its own interests.
Previously, the German Foreign Ministry refused to comment on documents, internal analysis and embassy reports.
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German Christian Democratic Union party leader Friedrich Merz, a conservative politician predicted to be likely to be elected prime minister in the February election, was harsh about the leaked telegram. Speaking at an election meeting, Mr. Merz said that the report was full of meaningless criticism of the US President-elect. “The US president and his administration do not need Germany to point fingers at them,” Mr. Merz said.
The leak of the telegram is said to be a bad omen for Prime Minister Scholz’s government, who is said to be at a disadvantage before the next election. Mr. Trump’s ally, billionaire Elon Musk, previously made stormy comments about supporting Germany’s far-right AfD party. Furthermore, Mr. Trump’s threats to tax imports also raised fears from Berlin about the risk of becoming the frontrunner in a potential trade conflict between the US and the EU.
Germany had a difficult relationship with the US during Mr. Trump’s first term, facing high import taxes and criticism for not spending enough on defense according to NATO standards.
Mr. Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Mr. Scholz’s SPD party, on January 18 told the newspaper Bild that Germany needs to work with the US administration but is also ready to protect the country’s interests. “We will extend our hand to Donald Trump but we must be clear that if he refuses, we will have to be strong and defend our interests,” Mr. Klingbeil said.
