German Concerns Over Trump's Second Term Impact

German officials express concern over Donald Trump's second term, with Ambassador Andreas Michaelis warning that his agenda will disrupt democratic principles in the US by concentrating power with the president and undermining checks and balances. The confidential document seen by Reuters describes Trump's plans to weaken the independence of the legislature, law enforcement, and media while granting Big Tech companies co-governing power. Despite these concerns, the German government acknowledges Trump's election was democratic and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relations. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted Trump's transactional approach to international relations, which could strain alliances like NATO. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated the need for Germany to uphold its own interests while collaborating with the US. The situation is compounded by Germany's own political and economic challenges, as well as broader EU competitiveness issues.