The United States has played a significant role in supporting democracy and providing security for Germany, including promoting German reunification and maintaining 35,000 troops in the country. However, the current Trump administration views Europe as an adversary, NATO as a burden, and Russia as a friend, which has created tensions with traditional allies. Despite feeling abandoned and betrayed by their closest ally, Germans are beginning to respond, with a recent parliamentary vote to increase military and infrastructure spending. Joschka Fischer, a former foreign minister, argues that Europe must rearm and that German leadership is crucial in this process. Norbert Röttgen, a member of the German Parliament, states that Europe must now prioritize its own security due to the ongoing war in the region. The Trump administration’s actions also raise concerns about a potential power vacuum in Europe, as well as the potential for increased anti-American sentiment among Germans. While some Germans view the Trump administration’s actions as an opportunity for liberation, others recognize the need to adapt to the shifting global landscape and work towards increased self-reliance in Europe.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/world/europe/germany-us-ally-relationship-military.html