German officials have reportedly been in denial about the GOP frontrunner’s growing chances of becoming the next US president
The German Foreign Ministry has established an informal crisis group to prepare for the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, according to the Financial Times. Berlin fears that a Trump presidency could damage its export-driven economy and undermine NATO.
US President Joe Biden announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not seek re-election on November 5. The 81-year-old veteran politician was facing mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party to step aside after his performance during last month’s debate against Trump.
The FT reported on Monday that “diplomats are scrambling to prepare for a scenario… that inspires deep unease in Berlin.” German officials are reportedly concerned that Trump, if elected, could adopt an even more protectionist economic policy than during his first term.
The GOP frontrunner’s threat to impose a 10% tariff on all imports is particularly concerning for Berlin, the article suggests. These concerns intensified when Trump named J.D. Vance as his potential vice president last week – a politician believed to be even more isolationist than the former head of state himself, the FT reported.
According to the media outlet, a unit within the German Economy Ministry has been attempting to predict the impact of a potential Trump comeback on the country’s economy.
Another major worry in Berlin, the FT claims, is the possibility of a Trump administration reducing America’s contributions to NATO, as well as its military support for Ukraine.
The Republican firebrand has repeatedly accused some members of the military bloc of failing to meet their obligations in terms of military spending. Trump has hinted that, under his leadership, Washington could reconsider the level of security it provides to nations that are not contributing enough. He has also criticized the Biden administration for its generous financial assistance to Ukraine on multiple occasions, claiming that he would end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours.
In its Monday article, the FT reported that, after months of denial, German officials, including ministers, have started to build relationships with influential Republicans, particularly governors and senators, in the hope that they will help protect German business interests in the US should Trump win on November 5.