Angela Merkel Voices Concerns Over Trump’s Alliance with Silicon Valley
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed concerns over the collaboration between ex-US president Donald Trump and tech giant Elon Musk, highlighting potential implications for the Western democratic order. Merkel’s apprehension is centered on the power Musk’s companies hold and the influence they could wield in the political arena.
Trump’s Alliance with Silicon Valley
In a recent interview with Der Spiegel magazine, Merkel noted a visible alliance between Trump and major Silicon Valley companies. She declared that such a coalition, backed by substantial capital, could pose a significant challenge. Musk, who has been advising Trump for his second term, has been assigned to lead a new department of government efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. However, Merkel believes Musk’s financial interests make this appointment problematic.
Implications of Musk’s Influence
Merkel pointed out that Musk’s ownership of a majority of satellites in space is a matter of deep concern. She emphasized the need for politics to maintain a balance between the powerful and regular citizens. The former chancellor warned that if political authority is overly swayed by corporations through capital or technological capabilities, it would present an unprecedented challenge to society.
Merkel’s Stance on Corporate Power in Politics
During her tenure, Merkel upheld the principle that politics must always have the final authority, even in the face of corporate power. She referenced the 2007-2008 financial crisis, where politics played a crucial role in rectifying the situation through bailouts and new regulations. Merkel stressed that in a democracy, politics should never be powerless against corporations.
The Role of Social Media
Referring to social media platforms like Musk’s X, Merkel emphasized the need to counteract the anger stirred up on these platforms. She expressed concern about the influence of far-right parties like Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on social media, particularly in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections on February 23.
Merkel’s Take on Trump’s International Relations
Merkel, who endorsed Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris in their failed presidential bids against Trump, critiqued his transactional approach to relations with allies. She noted Trump’s fascination with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other autocratic leaders, a stance she found concerning. Merkel herself has faced criticism for her handling of relations with Putin during her time in office.
Elon Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
Musk, who campaigned for Trump, is now assisting with the transition back to the White House. His tasks include taking meetings, participating in phone calls with world leaders, and discussing significant budget cuts. Musk’s companies are expected to benefit from $15 billion worth of government contracts, a figure anticipated to rise during Trump’s term.
