Germany's Merz cancels Trump call following US praise for far-right AfD gains
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a call with US President Donald Trump following Trump's praise for far-right AfD election gains in regional German polls.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a planned telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump following public comments from the American leader celebrating electoral gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
The diplomatic rift occurred after the AfD secured strong performances in regional elections, taking first place in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and achieving major wins in Saxony-Anhalt. The results marked the worst state election showing for Merz's conservative party since 1949, leading the chancellor to describe the outcome as a "disaster."
In response to the tension, Merz stated that the post-World War II era of "unconditional" trans-Atlantic ties between Germany and the United States is "probably over" for now. State intelligence agencies continue to monitor the AfD in several regions where the party is classified as far-right extremist due to its anti-immigration platform.
Sources: Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian
Sources
- Sweden Herald — Trump praises AfD’s election success in Saxony-Anhalt
- The Guardian — Germany’s Merz cancels phone call with Trump after social media post celebrating AfD win – Europe live
- Bloomberg — Merz Says US Friendship Built Since War ‘Probably Over’ for Now
- Cyprus Mail — AfD wins German state as Merz’s conservatives suffer historic rout
- France24 — Five takeaways from Germany's regional elections after far-right gains
Earlier coverage
- Sep 21, 2026, 02:00 PM UTCGermany's Merz cancels Trump call after US president praises far-right AfD election win
- Sep 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTCGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz confronts far-right AfD and pulls Trump call following election losses
- Sep 21, 2026, 08:00 AM UTCGerman chancellor cancels Trump call following far-right election praise
- Sep 20, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCGerman chancellor Merz distances Berlin from US following Trump praise for AfD
- Sep 20, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCMerz declares post-war US ties over after Trump praises AfD
- Sep 18, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCMerz says unconditional US-Europe ties are 'probably over' after Trump praises AfD
- Sep 16, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancels call with Trump following AfD election post
- Sep 11, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCFar-right AfD wins historic state election in Saxony-Anhalt