A confidential briefing document from Germany’s Ambassador to the U.S., Andreas Michaelis, expresses concern that the incoming Trump administration’s agenda will weaken democratic principles. The document, dated January 14th, describes this agenda as a power grab, concentrating presidential authority at the expense of Congress and states.
The ambassador’s assessment alleges that fundamental democratic checks and balances will be eroded, with legislative, law enforcement, and media branches potentially losing independence and becoming political tools. Furthermore, it suggests that significant power will be delegated to Big Tech companies.
The document also claims that actions by Trump and others could reinterpret the First Amendment, citing lawsuits, criminal threats, license revocations, and algorithm manipulation as examples. The document notes Musk’s support for Trump and his role in the transition team.
Germany previously accused Musk of interfering in its elections on behalf of the far-right AfD party. Ambassador Michaelis further warns that Trump might use legal means to impose his agenda on states, even potentially deploying the military for domestic law enforcement, despite limitations posed by the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.
Despite these concerns, the German government has acknowledged Trump’s electoral victory and stated its intention to cooperate with the new administration.