German Ambassador to Washington Andreas Michaelis warned that a Trump presidency could blur the lines between executive power and the independence of American institutions. Reuters reported, citing a document obtained by the agency, that Michaelis referenced plans for a possible second term in the White House. He argued that such an agenda could push power toward the oval office and diminish the roles of Congress and the states, threatening the constitutional balance. The ambassador stressed that fundamental democratic principles and the system of checks and balances would be weakened, and that the legislature, law enforcement agencies, and the media might lose their autonomy and be used as policy tools.
According to the document, the emphasis would be on concentrating power within the presidency, a move that could strain federal relations and trigger debates across North America, including in Canada, about shared democratic norms. The implications would ripple through oversight mechanisms, civil liberties, and the public sphere, as institutions trusted to stay independent could face political pressure or structural changes that limit oversight. In the United States, such a shift would test the resilience of the constitution, the judiciary, and the press, a concern that resonates with allied democracies that value strong democratic norms and reliable governance.
The remarks underscore a broader worry about how domestic political rhetoric can influence institutional autonomy. For audiences in Canada and the United States, the message highlights the importance of preserving independent media, robust oversight, and a clear separation of powers as essential safeguards in any healthy alliance across North America.
Earlier, Russian officials commented on the inauguration, suggesting that such outcomes might not occur. Yuri Ushakov spoke to observers at Trump’s inauguration, indicating that the described scenario would not come to pass, according to Russian representatives. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, had previously acknowledged the lack of detail surrounding discussions between Moscow and Washington, signaling caution about publicly predicting negotiations before they unfold.
The exchange underscores how diplomatic rhetoric from Berlin and Moscow can influence perceptions of democratic stability in the United States and its closest neighbors. Analysts in North America emphasize the value of transparent governance, independent journalism, and steadfast federal-state coordination as essential foundations for enduring partnership and mutual trust in a divided era.