Merz cancels Trump call over election interference remarks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz abruptly canceled planned talks with U.S. President Donald Trump following Trump's controversial social media post about regional elections in Germany. The call was scheduled ahead of the September 11 anniversary in New York. Trump publicly congratulated the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on its regional election victory, calling it a "great night" and citing Germans' fatigue with "terrible immigration rules," ending with "MGGA!!!" Merz's office stated the cancellation was not schedule-related, while Berlin reiterated its opposition to foreign interference in internal affairs. The AfD won nearly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, which Merz called a "destructive force." The AfD's Ulrich Siegmund urged ending military and financial support for Kyiv, but Merz affirmed continued German aid to Ukraine. Experts warn the AfD's success could eventually affect Germany's Ukraine assistance and refugee policies.