A View from America: How to Navigate the Trump Era

This piece originally ran in German in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on May 4.

We are two Americans who studied in Germany and have long been committed to close ties between our two countries. We know we are living in unprecedented times, but we also believe we must find a way to maintain our ties. A rupture would have catastrophic consequences for both countries. We have accomplished much together—and we can do it again. But we must rethink the foundations of our relationship so it can endure for decades to come.

The most important thing Germans need to realize is that America is not the same today as it was 25 years ago. America is deeply indebted. Twenty-five years ago, our national debt was $5.7 billion, or about 55.8% of GDP. Today, it's nearly $36.2 trillion, and interest payments alone consume about 13% of federal spending. This debt has fundamentally changed Americans' attitudes toward Europe and the rest of the world. Much of the inward-looking attitude can be traced to fear and a lack of confidence in our economic future.

Second, American culture has changed drastically. The World War II generation has almost completely disappeared, and the baby boomers have relinquished their leadership. Today, younger people are making decisions. For them, World War II and the Cold War are history—far away and often incomprehensible. For them, it's no longer self-evident why America should continue to bear a disproportionate share of Europe's security.

This cultural shift in the US is leading some Americans to openly despise Europe. This was evident in Vice President Pence's remarks at the Munich Security Conference, when he suggested that the European value system was more dangerous to America than China. This was, of course, exaggerated. But it also shows that a significant portion of the American public does not share the value system of the European left-wing parties. This has always been the case in parts of American society—but now these circles are in charge of US foreign policy.

So what should the Germans do? First of all: don't panic. Despite President Trump's hostile attitude toward Europe, and although many Americans want less engagement in Europe, most continue to support NATO and close relations with Europe. A recent poll in the US found that support for defending allies fell from 66% in 2017 to 59%—but that's still a clear majority. The Democrats remain firmly committed to NATO and will surely return to power one day. Many Republicans are also dissatisfied with Trump's radical course.

Second, with the thought experiment of strategic independence. It may be emotionally satisfying to respond to Trump's intimidation attempts with demands for a break with America—but frankly, we don't believe Germany is ready for that. Not only would the costs be far higher than most Germans would be willing to pay—it would also require painful decisions about nuclear weapons. The US strategic umbrella against a nuclear-armed Russia cannot be effectively replaced by a European nuclear deterrent.

The future German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will have to quickly address the challenges of the new America. Above all, he must avoid falling into the trap of publicly arguing with Trump. While this may be well-received domestically, it is poisonous for German-American relations.

Merz should tell President Trump that he recognizes our differences—but that we have much more in common than divides us. We have already achieved a lot together, and if we stick together, we can achieve much more. He should point to a historic event like the Berlin Airlift or the support provided by US troops during the Cold War—not only to remind Americans of their past sacrifices, but also to show that Germans remain grateful to them for this to this day.

He can tell Trump that he understands that more must be done for common defense—and that he is already taking steps in that direction. He should clearly emphasize that change is taking place and that he recognizes the need to find a new balance in which Europe assumes more responsibility—not just in its own interest, but for common security. He should state explicitly and repeatedly that there can be no German security without American security. This would help to reduce the resentment that fuels Trump's tough stance toward Europe.

What exactly should this change of course entail? In addition to increased defense spending, Germany should benefit from stricter border controls, economic deregulation, and the recognition that Europe needs to rethink its protectionist trade policy toward the United States. A promise to work toward zero tariffs in negotiations with the Americans would certainly defuse tensions in the trade conflict.

Our two countries have endured much together. There are few cases in history where two countries that have fought each other twice in bloody wars have become close allies. This is one of the greatest achievements in human history. And both America and Germany have a duty to ensure that this legacy has not been in vain.