Germany’s Ambassador to the U.S. Warns of Trump’s “Maximum Disruption” Agenda
Germany’s ambassador to the United States, Andreas Michaelis, has warned that President-elect Trump’s administration will “undermine” democratic principles with a “maximum disruption” agenda. According to a confidential briefing document, Michaelis describes the incoming Trump agenda as “a redefinition of the constitutional order – maximum concentration of power with the president at the expense of Congress and the federal states.”
The document, dated January 14, also claims that basic democratic principles and checks and balances will be largely undermined, and that the legislature, law enforcement, and media will be robbed of their independence and misused as a political arm. Additionally, it suggests that Big Tech will be given co-governing power.
Michaelis also expressed concerns that recent actions by Trump and Elon Musk could lead to a “redefinition of the First Amendment.” He pointed to Trump’s use of lawsuits, threats of criminal prosecution, and license revocation, as well as Musk’s manipulation of algorithms and account blocking.
The document also claims that Trump could force his agenda on states using broad legal options, and that even military deployment within the country for police activities would be possible in the event of declared “insurrection” and “invasion.” However, this is barred by the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement unless Congress overrides the federal law.
Despite these warnings, the German foreign ministry has acknowledged Trump’s election victory and stated that it will “work closely with the new U.S. administration in the interests of Germany and Europe.”