German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sharply criticised the foreign policy of US President Donald Trump, warning the international community of its potential consequences for global stability. Speaking at a symposium in Berlin on the night of Wednesday, 7 January, Steinmeier described the current conduct of the US administration as pushing the world order “to the brink of destruction.”
Addressing the assembled audience, the former Foreign Minister urged nations worldwide not to allow the planet to become a “den of thieves,” where unscrupulous powers seize what they please without regard for law or principle. He stressed that the global democratic system is facing unprecedented attacks, leaving it more vulnerable than at any point in recent history.
Pointing to recent US actions, such as attempts to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, Steinmeier characterised these measures as evidence of a “historic rupture” in international norms. He compared the threat posed by America’s present behaviour to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, asserting that both represent severe challenges to the rules-based global order.
“The era in which certain nations or regions are treated as personal property by a handful of major powers must end immediately,” he declared.
Although the role of the German presidency is largely ceremonial, Steinmeier’s forthright remarks have sparked considerable attention across Germany. The statements come amid growing public concern regarding the reliability of traditional allies.
A recent survey conducted by Germany’s public broadcaster ARD reveals a dramatic decline in German trust towards the United States:
| Country / Organisation | Trust Level among Germans (%) |
|---|---|
| United States | 24 |
| France | 68 |
| United Kingdom | 65 |
| Concern over NATO protection | 69 |
According to the survey, 76 per cent of Germans no longer consider the United States a dependable partner, while confidence remains significantly higher in France and the UK. Moreover, 69 per cent of respondents expressed serious concern about whether NATO’s most powerful member would honour its security commitments in the event of a crisis.
Steinmeier’s warning underscores the growing unease in Europe about unilateral actions by global powers and the urgent need for multilateral cooperation to safeguard international law and democratic governance.