The Financial Times reported that the German Foreign Ministry has established an "informal crisis group" to prepare for the possibility of former US President Donald Trump returning to the White House.
According to the British newspaper, Berlin is feeling increasingly isolated, worried that Donald Trump's presidency could endanger the country's export-oriented economy, as well as NATO.
On July 22, US President Joe Biden announced that he would not run for re-election. The 81-year-old veteran leader has been facing increasing pressure from within the Democratic Party to resign since his clumsy performance in a televised debate with rival Donald Trump last month. .
In an article published on July 22, the Financial Times wrote, "diplomats are preparing for a scenario that causes deep insecurity in Berlin."
German officials are said to be concerned that Donald Trump, if re-elected, could adopt an even more protectionist economic policy than during his first term.
According to the Financial Times, the Republican presidential candidate has warned of a 10% tax on all imported goods. This is especially worrying for Germany.
These concerns became even stronger when Mr. Donald Trump chose Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate. Mr. Vance is a politician who is said to be more isolationist than Donald Trump himself.
According to the media, a unit of the German Economy Ministry tried to predict the impact of Donald Trump's potential return on the German economy.
Financial Times said that another main cause of concern in Berlin is the possibility that the Donald Trump administration will cut US contributions to NATO, as well as reduce military support for Ukraine .
Republicans have repeatedly accused some NATO members of not meeting the target of spending 2% of GDP on military spending, thereby pushing the burden on the United States.
Mr. Donald Trump hinted that, under his leadership, the US might reconsider the level of security it provides to low-contributing countries. He also repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden's administration for its generous support for Kiev, and claimed that he could end the Ukraine conflict in just 24 hours.
The Financial Times notes that, after months of denials, German officials, including ministers, have begun trying to establish relationships with influential Republicans, especially governors and senators, in the apparent hope that they will help protect German business interests in the US if Donald Trump wins the 2024 US presidential election on November 5.
