Jens Spahn, the CDU parliamentary group leader, sharply criticised how the AfD is treated in U.S. government circles. “It is frustrating that the AfD is regarded as an accepted interlocutor in Washington” he told the newspapers of the Funke‑Media group in their weekend editions. Spahn said that large parts of the party function like Putin’s troops, are heading for China, and have no interest in strengthening the transatlantic alliance. “This is an entirely unwarranted elevation of the party” he added. “The Union will not accept that”.
Spahn also expressed anger about remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “Many of the president’s statements and decisions are irritating and unacceptable” he said, citing Trump’s mocking comments about German soldiers in Afghanistan as an example.
At the same time, Spahn urged prudence. “I can understand the urge to confront Donald Trump directly” he explained. “But publicly escalating the situation offers no benefit”. He stressed that Germany is not powerless vis‑à‑vis the United States; it must communicate clearly yet calmly. “The U.S. remains Germany’s most important ally outside of Europe” he emphasized. “Our security depends on America”.