Friedrich Merz Calls on Trump Administration: Stay Out of Germany’s Electoral Process

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sent a clear message to Washington, urging President Donald Trump’s administration not to interfere in his country’s internal electoral affairs. The warning came in response to the announcement of a new U.S. programme providing funding for entities and individuals across the European continent.

The chancellor’s response followed the U.S. State Department’s decision to open a grant programme with a budget of up to $3 million, intended for non-governmental organisations, think tanks and individuals in Europe.

According to the official U.S. announcement, the grants will support projects focused on issues such as national sovereignty, migration control, freedom of expression in the face of censorship and strengthening the rule of law. The initiatives, it added, are in line with “shared political values and the heritage of Western civilisation.”

The programme’s announcement has raised concerns in a number of European capitals, where questions are being asked over whether the funding could be misused to steer public debate and manipulate the outcomes of electoral processes.

At a press conference in Berlin, Merz stated clearly that just as Berlin respects the sovereignty of the U.S. electoral process, it expects the same approach from its partners. “We have a principle of not interfering in elections in the United States. On the other hand, I firmly expect neither the U.S. administration nor institutions linked to it to try to influence our elections,” the head of the German government stressed.

The German chancellor also drew attention to the fact that the country’s legislation categorically prohibits the financing of political groups by foreign donors.

Tensions have risen further after certain voices, including former figures from the U.S. administration, suggested that the new grant initiative could favour right-wing political groups in Europe. Critical analysts warn that the programme has the potential to disrupt political balances, especially ahead of local and national elections expected in several countries across the continent.

For its part, the State Department rejected all allegations, clarifying that political parties will not be eligible to access the funds. A spokesperson for the institution stressed that the sole objective of these programmes in Europe is to strengthen fundamental human rights, democracy and the rule of law.