A confidential briefing document, penned by Germany's ambassador to the U.S., Andreas Michaelis, and viewed by Reuters, expresses anxieties regarding the potential effects of President-elect Donald Trump's administration on democratic norms and institutions. The memo, dated January 14th, characterizes the incoming Trump agenda as a significant shift in the constitutional order, potentially concentrating power in the presidency at the expense of Congress and individual states.

The document outlines concerns about the weakening of democratic checks and balances, the potential compromise of legislative, law enforcement, and media independence, and the possibility of granting substantial influence to major tech companies. Michaelis specifically points to actions by Trump and Elon Musk, suggesting they could lead to a redefinition of the First Amendment, citing Trump's use of lawsuits and threats, and Musk's alleged manipulation of algorithms and account blocking.

Musk, a supporter of Trump during the election, was appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Germany recently accused Musk of attempting to interfere in its upcoming parliamentary elections by supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

The memo also raises the alarming prospect of Trump utilizing legal avenues to impose his agenda on states, even suggesting the possibility of deploying military forces domestically under the guise of addressing "insurrection" or "invasion." However, the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act restricts the involvement of federal troops in civilian law enforcement unless Congress intervenes.

Despite the concerns outlined in the document, the German foreign ministry has officially recognized Trump's electoral victory and expressed its intention to collaborate with the new administration for the benefit of Germany and Europe. The Trump transition team has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the memo's allegations.