Michaelis characterizes Trump’s approach as one centered on consolidating maximum power in the presidency, potentially at the cost of Congress and the authority of individual U.S. states. The leaked document warns that critical democratic institutions—such as the legislature, law enforcement, and the media—could face threats to their independence and risk being “misused as political tools.”
The memo also underscores a notable role for Big Tech companies, which Michaelis suggests might be given a form of “co-governing authority.”
Publicly, Germany’s foreign ministry has maintained a measured stance, emphasizing respect for the democratic choice of U.S. voters while expressing readiness to cooperate with a Trump-led administration. When contacted by POLITICO for a response to the leaked memorandum, the ministry declined to comment. However, in a statement to Reuters, the ministry said, “We will work closely with the new U.S. administration in the interests of Germany and Europe.”
Privately, the ambassador’s evaluation paints a more critical picture. There appears to be deep-seated concern in Berlin about the potential ramifications of Trump’s domestic policies. This apprehension could foreshadow a rocky start to U.S.-German relations under the interim coalition government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats in partnership with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s Green Party.
It’s worth noting that these tensions are not new. During Trump’s first term, clashes erupted over trade tariffs and Germany’s failure to meet NATO defense spending goals. However, Michaelis’s warning highlights that the stakes have significantly escalated.
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