Germany criticized the US national security strategy for alleging Europe censors free speech and stifles opposition, escalating transatlantic tensions.
At a news conference in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul denied the accusations, claiming that Europeans, especially Germans, do not require guidance on matters of democracy and liberty from the Donald Trump administration.
"NATO is an alliance of values, of course. Other issues can also be discussed here, but questions of freedom of expression and how we organize our free societies – especially in Germany – do not belong here,"
Wadephul told reporters.
"We also do not believe that anyone needs to give us advice on these. Instead, these are organized by our constitutional order, which not only guarantees the separation of powers – the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary – but also, rightly, a free media,"
the minister said.
The Trump administration's National Security Strategy, which outlines defense and foreign policy priorities, was made public on Thursday.
The 33-page study contained controversial remarks on Europe, asserting that the "real and more stark prospect of civilizational erasure" within the next 20 years outweighs the continent's economic downfall.
"The larger issues facing Europe include activities of the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence,"
the document said.
How has Germany formally responded to the US strategy document?
Germany's formal response to the US National Security Strategy document, released December 4, 2025, came from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a Berlin press conference on December 5, where he rebuked the claims of European suppression and political repression.
Wadephul stated that Germany doesn't need" outside advice" from the Trump administration on republic, freedoms, or its internal affairs, emphasizing the country's robust popular traditions. This public redundancy rejected the strategy's depiction of Europe as witnessing" civilizational erasure" due to programs on migration, suppression, and low birthrates.
No further formal political conduct, similar as sanctioned letters or summits, have been blazoned as of December 5, 2025, with the response limited to Wadephul's reflections amid ongoing transatlantic pressures. The response aligns with previous German efforts to assert strategic autonomy while maintaining alliance commitments.