Friedrich Merz, poised to become Germany’s next Chancellor after his Christian Democrats topped Sunday’s federal election, swiftly rebuffed President Donald Trump’s congratulations and accused the U.S. of election meddling akin to Russia’s.
Despite a voter surge for the populist-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Merz vowed to shun them, opting instead for a coalition with ousted leftists, signaling a betrayal of the conservative tide.
At a glance:
- Merz’s CDU won 28.5% of the vote, AfD doubled to 20.8%, rejecting the leftist coalition.
- Trump hailed the “conservative” win; Merz dismissed it, seeking “independence” from the U.S.
- Merz accused Trump’s team, likely Elon Musk, of “drastic” election interference.
- He plans talks with Social Democrats and Greens, ignoring AfD’s anti-migration stance.
Trump’s Praise Meets Cold Shoulder
After German voters dumped the Social Democrat-Green coalition Sunday, favoring the CDU and AfD, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Looks like the conservative party in Germany has won the very big and highly anticipated election,” calling it a rejection of “no common sense” energy and immigration policies.
He added, “This is a great day for Germany, and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J. Trump.”
Yet Merz, whose CDU took 28.5%—far from a majority—snubbed the gesture.
He told state broadcaster DW, “It is an absolute priority to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we achieve independence from the U.S., step by step,” slamming Trump’s administration for not caring “about the fate of Europe one way or another.”
Merz went further, claiming U.S. “interventions from Washington were no less drastic, dramatic, and ultimately no less brazen” than Russia’s, likely targeting Trump ally Elon Musk, who backed AfD on X. Musk, with Tesla’s German gigafactory at stake, predicted AfD’s growth—doubling from 2021 to 20.8%—could make it the majority next election, citing its lead among 25-44-year-olds (24%) and strong 18-24 showing (21%). Merz, who threatened Musk’s firms with “political” or “legal” fallout, confirmed he’ll keep Germany’s speech curbs, telling critics like VP JD Vance, “Freedom of speech remains… but fake news, hate speech, and crimes are subject to legal restrictions.”
Trump really should have just supported the AfD…
Leftist Coalition Over Voter Will
Despite AfD’s gains—reflecting anger over migration and green policies—Merz plans to govern with the Social Democrats (SPD) and possibly Greens, not the right-wing AfD he aligns with on key issues. He started SPD talks Monday, saying he’s “very confident” a deal’s near, though SPD’s Lars Klingbeil hedged, hinting Merz may cave on border controls despite campaign vows. This leftward lurch defies voters who crushed the old coalition, handing conservatives and populists a clear mandate Merz seems ready to ignore for EU ties over American influence.
