In the lead-up to US President Donald Trump’s re-election and the recent verbal attacks by his supporter Elon Musk, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany), Simone Menne, is calling for calm. “Companies should not fall into a state of shock” she said in an interview with ntv.
Although the uncertainties may be greater, Germany has 120 years of experience with the ups and downs of transatlantic trade. “This teaches us to be flexible and solution-oriented” Menne said. She also takes a hard stance against Tesla CEO and Trump supporter Elon Musk, stating, “I would no longer drive a Tesla.” As a former Tesla driver, Menne’s criticism is personal.
Musk has, in her view, crossed a line. “Both in his leadership style and in his public statements” Menne said. Musk had recently sharply attacked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his comments.