Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany’s new leader, wasted no time after the election results to criticize U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that Europe’s 80-year alliance with the United States may be a thing of the past. Merz argued that the Trump administration’s indifference to Europe and its alignment with Russia posed a serious threat to the continent, urging Europe to strengthen its defenses and consider finding a replacement for NATO in the near future.

Merz’s comments highlight the significant impact Trump has had on European politics, shaking the long-standing security foundations built after 1945. In a bold move, Merz stated his priority would be to achieve Europe’s independence from the U.S., even proposing the creation of an independent European defense structure to replace NATO, especially as the upcoming NATO summit looms.