What can Germany expect with Harris or Trump? | DW News

Summary

Germany’s political landscape is deeply concerned about the potential return of Donald Trump as US president, with a preference for Kamala Harris due to her more predictable and cooperative foreign policy stance. Trump's previous presidency strained US-Germany relations, particularly over defense spending, trade, and NATO. While a second Trump term could threaten transatlantic stability, European leaders recognize the need for greater European defense independence. Though there are concerns, many believe that, regardless of who wins, US-Germany relations will endure with a shift toward more European responsibility in global security.

Takeaways

• 😀 Germany is watching closely as US voters head to the polls, with concern over whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will win the presidency.
• 😀 Germany maintains that its relationship with the US will remain strong, regardless of who is elected, but a second Trump presidency could create challenges.
• 😀 Biden's presidency marked a period of strong US-Germany relations, especially in terms of supporting Ukraine and aligning on NATO and trade policies.
• 😀 Kamala Harris, with her background, is expected to continue this supportive transatlantic relationship and focus more on Asia.
• 😀 Trump's first presidency was a low point for US-Germany relations, marked by his criticism of Germany's defense spending, immigration policies, and trade imbalances.
• 😀 Many Germans would prefer Kamala Harris as president, believing she would offer a stable and productive partnership compared to Trump.
• 😀 Some Germans fear a return of Trump to the White House, citing his divisive rhetoric, soft stance on Russia, and unpredictable foreign policy.
• 😀 Political factions in Germany, including the Christian Democrats (CDU), are trying to figure out how to deal with a potential Trump presidency.
• 😀 The far-right party in Germany, AfD, supports Trump, viewing him as an ideological ally due to his anti-immigration and pro-Russia positions.
• 😀 A second Trump term would likely lead to more aggressive and protectionist trade policies, including tariffs on European imports, which could severely affect Germany.
• 😀 Regardless of who wins, European countries, especially Germany, are being urged to take more responsibility for their own defense and security in the face of US political uncertainty.

Q & A

What is Germany's main concern regarding the potential outcomes of the U.S. election?

Germany's main concern is the unpredictability of a second Trump presidency, particularly regarding trade policies, defense spending, and NATO relations. While a Kamala Harris presidency is viewed as more stable, Trump's protectionist and isolationist policies raise concerns for Germany's economic and security interests.

How does Germany view the relationship between the U.S. and Germany under Joe Biden?

Under Joe Biden, Germany sees a thriving U.S.-Germany relationship, particularly with a focus on support for Ukraine, NATO, and trade. Biden's commitment to transatlantic relations is seen as a positive influence on the U.S.-German partnership.

What is the general opinion in Germany regarding Kamala Harris as the potential next U.S. president?

Most Germans express a preference for Kamala Harris as the next U.S. president. They see her as a stable and predictable leader who would maintain strong transatlantic relations and continue the current U.S. policies that align with Germany's interests.

Why is Donald Trump's approach to NATO a concern for Germany?

Donald Trump’s skepticism toward NATO and his insistence on European countries increasing defense spending are concerns for Germany. Trump previously questioned NATO’s mutual defense commitment and threatened to reduce U.S. support for the alliance, which created tension in transatlantic relations.

What are the concerns regarding trade between Germany and the U.S. under Donald Trump?

Trump’s protectionist policies, including tariffs on steel and aluminum, created significant trade tension between the U.S. and Germany. His focus on reducing trade deficits led to fears of escalating tariffs, including a potential 10-20% blanket tariff on all U.S. imports, which could harm Germany’s export-driven economy.

How do different political factions in Germany view a potential Trump presidency?

While most German politicians, especially from the left and center, are wary of a Trump presidency, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and far-right parties like the AfD are more open to finding common ground with Trump. The CDU's leadership has indicated a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that they would need to cooperate with Trump if he wins, despite their reservations.

What impact does Germany expect a second Trump presidency to have on European security?

Germany fears that a second Trump presidency could weaken European security. Trump’s critical stance on NATO and his previous suggestions of reducing U.S. military presence in Europe could leave Germany and its European neighbors more vulnerable, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

How would Kamala Harris differ in handling transatlantic trade relations compared to Donald Trump?

Kamala Harris is expected to engage more diplomatically with Europe on trade issues, fostering greater collaboration and resolving trade disputes through dialogue. In contrast, Donald Trump’s protectionist stance and use of tariffs, including on European industries like the automotive sector, would likely escalate trade tensions.

What is the sentiment in Germany about the U.S. defense commitments under a potential Trump administration?

There is significant concern in Germany about the U.S. honoring its defense commitments under a Trump administration. Trump has previously expressed doubts about the mutual defense clause of NATO, which raises uncertainty about the level of U.S. support for European security, particularly in the face of external threats like Russia.

How does Germany’s domestic political situation relate to the U.S. election?

Germany is facing internal political instability, particularly regarding economic and defense policies. The U.S. election outcome could influence Germany’s political landscape, as the uncertainty caused by a potential Trump presidency might complicate Europe’s defense and economic planning, making it more difficult for Germany to focus on its own sovereignty.