Trump blames Germany's immigration rules for far-right state election win

U.S. President Donald Trump attributed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's state election win to what he called "horrible" immigration rules, praising the result on Truth Social. The AfD surged to first place in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, marking the first time a far-right party has neared state power in Germany since World War Two. Trump has long criticized European countries, including Germany, for losing control of their borders amid a large influx of migrants and asylum seekers over the past decade. AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund, who hopes to become premier, has promised "deportations from the first minute," echoing Trump's policies. The victory is a major setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives. Merz's spokesperson declined to comment directly on Trump's post, saying foreign interventions in German elections are "out of the question." The government also postponed a planned call between Merz and Trump on the September 11 anniversary, without giving a reason. U.S.-German relations have been strained over tariffs, Iran, and Ukraine.