Statement on the second presidency of Donald J. Trump

A functioning transatlantic partnership is in the fundamental interest of Germany and Europe. The Atlantik-Brücke, with more than 70 years of transatlantic history, is committed to ensuring that these long-standing relationships of trust and confidence across the Atlantic are maintained at all levels.

America’s role in the world is changing, and we are committed to shaping cooperation between Europe and the USA in a modern and pragmatic way. As the Atlantik-Brücke, we will intensify our efforts as bridge builders to connect political, economic and civil society actors. Our primary goal is to strengthen trust in the transatlantic partnership.

In times of war in Europe, Donald Trump’s return to the White House poses a particular challenge for Germany and Europe. At the same time, numerous geopolitical power shifts are taking place in Europe and the world. The cohesion of the West is our biggest task. The new German government must find a path of understanding with Donald Trump’s new administration – in friendship and in consideration of our respective interests.

We need a strong Germany and Europe

Europe must focus on its own strength and meet the USA on eye level. Only if Europe learns to stand on its own two feet – politically, economically and militarily – will this relationship be maintained. Nothing has gone wrong with European values, but we must reassure ourselves of them. The USA is our most important ally and security partner. America rightly expects us to invest in our security and make a greater contribution to the collective defense of the Alliance. In terms of trade policy, we are key partners and remain co-creators of the global economy and entrepreneurship.

We need a strong Europe, and for that Germany is of central importance. The new German government must assume a leading role in Europe and strengthen European institutions. The revival of the Weimar Triangle would be an important first step towards consolidating European interests. At the same time, it is important to build bridges to American civil society and to strengthen alliances with a broad spectrum of political forces in the USA that represent the diversity and differences of opinion of the country and ultimately of a continent. As the Atlantik-Brücke, we are and will remain the first point of contact on transatlantic issues.

Berlin, January 20, 2025

The Board of the Atlantik-Brücke e.V.