German Ambassador Warns of Trump’s Plan to Redefine U.S. Constitutional Order

Andreas Michaelis, Germany's ambassador to the United States, has expressed concern regarding the potential for the incoming Trump administration to undermine U.S. democratic principles in a confidential document that was obtained by Reuters. The document, dated January 14, cautions that Trump's second term would result in a significant overhaul of U.S. governance, which would consolidate power in the hands of the president and undermine the system of checks and balances.

Michaelis characterizes the incoming administration's agenda as one of "maximum disruption," asserting that it would "redefine the constitutional order" and eliminate the independence of the judiciary, law enforcement, and media. He contends that under Trump's leadership, critical democratic institutions would be transformed into political instruments, and Big Tech would acquire unprecedented "co-governing power."

The assessment underscores Trump's intentions to exercise control over the Justice Department and the FBI, with the potential to use them for personal legal immunity, political retribution, and mass deportations. The ambassador also observes that the U.S. Supreme Court, despite the expansion of presidential powers, may still be able to thwart some of Trump's most extreme proposals.

Michaelis' document also implies that Trump could employ military forces for domestic law enforcement in instances of "insurrection" or "invasion," despite the constraints imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. In addition, Michaelis expresses apprehension regarding Trump's stance on the First Amendment, cautioning that both Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk are already implementing measures to suppress dissent through algorithm manipulation, criminal threats, and litigation.

Acknowledging the democratic outcome of the U.S. election, the German government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the new administration, while refraining from overt criticism. Nevertheless, Michaelis' candid assessment represents an uncommon instance of public apprehension from German officials regarding the future of U.S.-German relations under Trump.

Germany continues to manage its relationship with the United States as Trump prepares for his second term, despite the historically challenging relationship between the two nations during Trump's first term, which included disagreements over trade tariffs and NATO defense expenditures.