Germany's ambassador to the United States has sent a telegram home warning of major changes in President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term.
"Power is concentrated in the hands of the president"
President-elect Donald Trump at a rally on the evening of 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 would have a major impact on the system of checks and balances in US 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 power of Congress and the states.” The independence of the legislative branch, law enforcement agencies and the media would be taken away and used as political arms. “Big Tech (technology giants) will be given co-governance,” the report said.
"His policy of maximum disruption, the breakdown of established political and bureaucratic order, and his plans for revenge mean a redefinition of the new constitutional order," Ambassador Michaelis wrote.
In the report, Mr. Michaelis sees Mr. Trump as driven by a “desire for revenge.”
The cable was sent to the German Foreign Ministry and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office last week, according to AP. The report was published by the media shortly before Trump’s inauguration. Michaelis will represent the German government at the inauguration on January 20.
Billionaire Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC on January 19
Germany confirms the telegram
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed the existence of the cable, according to AFP. "Of course embassies write reports, that's their job, especially during a change of government, so that we know what's going to happen. The US president has announced what he intends to do and of course we have to prepare for that," Baerbock said, stressing that she would continue to work closely with the US but would also protect her own interests.
Previously, the German Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the documents, internal analysis and embassy reports.
The leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Merz, a conservative politician tipped to become chancellor in February's election, was scathing about the leaked cable. Speaking at an election conference, Mr. Merz said the report was full of pointless criticism of the US president-elect. "The US president and his administration do not need Germany pointing fingers at them," Mr. Merz said.
The leak of the cable is seen as a bad omen for Chancellor Scholz’s government, which is seen as being at a disadvantage ahead of the upcoming election. Trump ally Elon Musk has previously made controversial comments about supporting Germany’s far-right AfD party. Moreover, Trump’s threats of import tariffs have also raised fears in Berlin that it could be at the forefront of a potential trade conflict between the US and the EU.
Germany had a rocky relationship with the US during Mr Trump's first term, facing high import tariffs and criticism over its failure to meet NATO defence spending standards.
Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Scholz’s SPD party, told Bild newspaper on January 18 that Germany needed to work with US authorities but also stand ready to defend its interests. “We will extend a hand to Donald Trump but we must be clear that if he refuses, we will have to be strong and defend our interests,” Klingbeil said.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/buc-dien-tin-he-lo-noi-lo-cua-duc-ve-ong-trump-185250120112957906.htm
Comment (0)