Dr. Weingarten on Trump's influence: concerns about Germany and Ukraine!

Dr. Weingarten on Trump's influence: concerns about Germany and Ukraine!

dr. Joe Weingarten, SPD member of the Bundestag, recently attended the vocational school economy in Bad Kreuznach. During this exchange, he expressed himself very positively about the interests of the students in political issues. This discussion was organized by the school's democratic team and attracted students from different classes, including the upper level of the vocational high school and the vocational school.

A central topic of the conversation was Weingarten's experience as an election observer in the United States, where he worked in Maryland and Washington. His observations included access to polling stations, the election gymnasts and the voter register. He confirmed that the election was correct and Donald Trump was elected Democrat-Sich. With regard to the effects of his choice on Germany, Weingarten noted that Trump was looking for attention loudly, regardless of the associated challenges.

political challenges and defense spending

Weingarten criticized Trump's demand for an increase in defense spending to 5 percent of GDP and emphasized that Germany could not meet these financial requirements. His thoughts about the situation of Ukraine were also of great interest to the students. He warned that a withdrawal from the United States as supporters of Ukraine could result in serious consequences for Ukraine and Central Europe. These considerations are in the context of current political and military uncertainties that could be reinforced by Trump's upcoming term as President of the United States.

Before the US election, opinions in Germany about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency were alarming, because only 6-17 percent of those surveyed considered such a presidency to be beneficial for Germany, especially in terms of NATO, climate change and security. Trump has already emphasized that he demands higher defense spending on NATO partners, especially Germany, and wants less dependency on the USA

Trump's announcements to deduct US troops from Europe could-if they become a reality-have economic consequences for regions such as Bavaria, where the US troop training area Grafenwöhr is the largest European practice area in the US military. In addition, Trump terminated the Paris climate agreement during his first term, which underlines his attitude towards climate protection.

outlook on transatlantic relationships

The next four years under Trump could also be characterized by some unpredictable developments for Germany and Bavaria. Observers warn that an uncertain US policy could lead to a harmful deal for Ukraine and Trump's Vice President, J.D. Vance that Russia does not see as an existential threat to Europe. This illustrates the need for a constant dialogue between Europe and the USA to address common interests and challenges.

The challenges that arise from a Trump presidency make it clear how important it is to actively shape transatlantic relationships and to have an open discussion about security and economic questions. The new Trump government will have to begin with a dazzling mix of vigilance and an inventory of how to make future relationships effectively. This is particularly important with regard to global questions about climate change and security.