Official statements or actions from the Trump administration, U.S. Supreme Court announcements, or credible media reports

German Ambassador Andreas Michaelis Warns of Trump's 'Maximum Disruption' Plan to Redefine U.S. Constitutional Order

Jan 19, 2025, 11:51 AM

Germany's ambassador to the United States, Andreas Michaelis, has warned in a confidential document dated January 14 and seen by Reuters that the incoming Trump administration intends to undermine the independence of U.S. law enforcement and the media, while granting big tech companies 'co-governing power.' The document describes Trump's second term agenda as one of 'maximum disruption' and a 'redefinition of the constitutional order.' It states that basic democratic principles and checks and balances will be largely subverted, with the legislative branch, law enforcement, and media being stripped of their independence and used as political tools. The report also suggests that big tech companies will gain co-governing power. Michaelis highlights the central role of the U.S. judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in the anticipated domestic conflicts under Trump's agenda. He notes that despite recent expansions of presidential powers by the Supreme Court, even the most severe critics believe it will prevent the worst scenarios. The document further warns that law enforcement will become a political instrument, with control over the Justice Department and FBI being crucial for Trump's goals, including mass deportations, retaliatory actions, and legal immunity. It also mentions the possibility of using the military for domestic law enforcement in certain circumstances, such as declared 'insurrection' or 'invasion.' Germany's Foreign Ministry has stated that it does not comment on internal documents but emphasized that the U.S. is a key ally, and Germany will work closely with the new U.S. administration in the interests of Germany and Europe.