Trump congratulates AfD after Saxony-Anhalt victory, calls party "on the rise"

President Donald Trump congratulated the Alternative for Germany (AfD) after the party’s victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election and described it as a movement that is "on the rise." His comments, posted on his social platform Truth Social, followed the regional vote held over the weekend.

Trump repeats criticism of German migration policy

In a short message on Truth Social Trump wrote, "The populist party in Germany had a really big night," and accused supporters of being fed up with what he called "absolutely terrible immigration rules." He added in capital letters: "THEY ARE ON THE RISE and will no longer put up with it," and closed the post with "MGGA!!!" — an apparent echo of his U.S. slogan.

Earlier on election night Trump also shared a graphic projection showing AfD winning seats in the Saxony-Anhalt vote, posting it without further comment.

The exchange comes amid a period of closer contacts between AfD and some U.S. political figures since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel praised Trump as an example after his inauguration, and party representatives attended the swearing-in ceremony in Washington.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met Weidel at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025 and warned against isolating populist parties while urging that the views of millions of voters not be ignored — remarks that drew sharp criticism from many German politicians at the time.

Trump’s renewed attack on Germany’s asylum and migration rules reopened debate about migration policy and political relations between Berlin and Washington. In his second presidential term he has implemented hardline measures in the United States, including large-scale deportations, and has repeatedly criticized European approaches to asylum and migration.

Photo: press material from the event