Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dispatched a four-page congratulatory letter to his colleague, Donald Trump, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, which also contains pointed criticisms and warnings. In the celebratory telegram for the Fourth of July, Steinmeier paid tribute to the history of the nation and its critical role in the global advancement of democracy, especially in post-World War II Germany, as reported by “Der Spiegel”. Although the criticism directed at the US president maintains a friendly tone, it is significant.
Steinmeier asserted that the US rise to a global power was achieved not solely through brute force, but through attraction and influence. He emphasized that NATO, whose commitment pledges Trump repeatedly challenged, must defend “the 250-year promise of freedom, law, and self-determination.”
While the President stated that political perfection is impossible in daily life, he argued that “the direction is what matters.” He noted that many people in both Germany and the United States are questioning whether this current direction is correct. According to Steinmeier, the answer should never come from an individual, but rather from “the people of the Free and Equal,” echoing the original sentiments of the 1776 revolutionaries.
The President also spoke of a strong friendship between Germany and the United States, noting that the people on both sides of the Atlantic are celebrating this special anniversary by championing “freedom, law, and democracy,” and relying on their enduring strength.
The German president has publicly criticized Trump before. Even when he served as Foreign Minister, he once labeled the presidential candidate in the 2016 election a “preacher of hatred.” As Federal President, Steinmeier has consistently expressed concern regarding the political trajectory taken by his counterpart.
