As Germany’s election results settled, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, set to become chancellor, promised a major realignment in transatlantic ties. His priority: strengthening Europe’s security independence amid shifting U.S. policies under Trump.
Merz warned that the U.S. administration’s stance signals a retreat from traditional European security commitments.
“Step by step, we must achieve independence from the USA,” he stated according to ABC News, highlighting concerns over Trump’s comments on NATO. He further emphasized, “Europe can no longer assume that the U.S. will always be there to guarantee our security. We must take responsibility for our own defense.”
CDU won 28.6% of the vote, while the incumbent SPD trailed in third place. The far-right Alternative for Germany celebrated its strongest-ever performance, bolstered by Elon Musk’s endorsement.
Trump officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, reaffirmed NATO’s importance but insisted Europe should bear more defense costs. Meanwhile, Merz suggested the need for a new European security structure ahead of June’s NATO summit. “We must work closely with our European partners to build a defense strategy that is not dependent on Washington’s shifting policies,” he stated.
Adding to tensions, U.S. Vice President JD Vance downplayed external threats, urging European nations to focus on domestic stability.
AfD, now Germany’s second-strongest party, declared its success historic. Co-chair Alice Weidel celebrated the party’s rise, while Musk predicted an AfD electoral victory in the near future.
Germany now faces a critical crossroads—redefining its role in global security and reshaping U.S.-European relations in the process.
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