Thursday, 7 November
Berlin’s leaders split on Trump’s return to office
Berlin’s political scene had mixed reactions to Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. election. Current Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) remained cautious, noting that the outcome was “the decision of the American people.” He avoided a formal congratulation, but underscored the importance of “transatlantic friendship” for Berlin, expressing hope that relations would remain strong under Trump.
Former Berlin Mayor Michael Müller (SPD), now on the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, was more blunt. Calling Trump’s victory a “turning point,” Müller expressed concern over the impact of a leader he labelled “a liar and convicted criminal.” Trump will rule, restructure the country and withdraw from the Atlantic to the Pacific side, and he will reduce the commitment in the Middle East – all of this will have an impact on us, said Müller. He also emphasised that Berlin should now prioritise partnerships with U.S. cities like Los Angeles, many of which are eager to foster cross-Atlantic cooperation.
Brandenburg’s BSW leader Robert Crumbach took a different angle, insisting Germany reevaluate its policies, suggesting that it discontinue the sanctions policy against Russia. AfD officials also chimed in, with Kristin Brinker urging German politicians not to retreat “into a corner of sulking, as after Trump’s last election” and instead to forge a partnership with Trump.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued diplomatic congratulations, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to transatlantic unity regardless of political shifts. “Germany and the USA have long been working together successfully to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue this for the benefit of our citizens,” Scholz wrote on X.
