German Chancellor Warns US Against Interfering in Elections

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 16, 2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the United States against interfering in Germany’s upcoming elections after reports emerged that the Trump administration is financially supporting right-wing European groups aligned with the MAGA movement. This warning underscores Germany’s legal prohibition on foreign funding of political parties and highlights growing tensions over U.S. efforts to influence European political landscapes ahead of key votes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a clear warning to the United States against interfering in Germany’s upcoming elections, responding to reports that the Trump administration has offered financial support to right-wing movements in Europe aligned with former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) platform.

Speaking during a summer press conference, Merz emphasized mutual respect for democratic processes, stating that Germany does not interfere in American elections and expects the same in return. The chancellor also underscored that it is illegal under German law for political parties to accept foreign funding. “I assume that especially our friends in this world will keep to the legal rules that we have set for ourselves in Germany,” he said.

The warning comes amid revelations that the U.S. State Department, under the leadership of Sarah Rogers, the undersecretary for public diplomacy, has launched an initiative to foster European groups that align with “American values.” This initiative involves a funding pool nearing $5 million, with grants of up to $3 million planned for principal recipients. The program seeks applications from organizations focused on issues such as national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and “lawfare” challenges, reflecting the U.S. government’s broader strategy to encourage resistance against what it describes as Europe’s liberal establishment.

Rogers has reportedly been cultivating ties with radical right-wing parties across Europe, including hosting Markus Frohnmaier, a leading member of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its spokesperson on foreign policy, in Washington. The U.S. vice president, JD Vance, alongside other senior officials, has accused several European nations of abandoning shared civilizational values by supporting policies allowing mass immigration and restricting free speech.

Merz stressed the unique political context of the AfD in Germany, cautioning that the party’s potential rise to power would carry significantly different implications than right-wing populist movements elsewhere in Europe, particularly given Germany’s historical legacy. He expressed confidence that the AfD would not secure a majority in any state parliamentary elections.

The unfolding developments highlight increasing U.S. interest in shaping political dynamics in Europe, as well as the sensitivity of European governments toward perceived foreign influence ahead of critical electoral contests.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.