Newspaper has Shocking Reaction to Trump Win

A major German newspaper has reacted to former President Donald Trump’s stunning victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election with a headline that says it all: “F–k.”

The headline, published by Die Zeit, one of Germany’s most respected and widely-read newspapers, captures the disbelief that many foreign observers felt as Trump triumphed once again. Founded in 1946, Die Zeit is known for its in-depth analysis, often offering long, thoughtful articles that dive into the complexities of political, social, and cultural issues. But in this instance, the newspaper’s reaction was blunt and visceral, mirroring the deep anxiety felt across Europe.

The publication’s morning-after article, written by Nele Pollatschek, offered a stark assessment of what Trump’s second term could look like and the potential damage it could inflict on his political adversaries. Pollatschek, who has long written on U.S. politics, was not shy in her criticism. “Last time, Trump’s advisors stopped him from doing too much nonsense,” she wrote, referring to his first term. “Except he replaced them for exactly that reason. This time, he’s surrounded himself with people whose core competence is loyalty.”

Her article goes on to highlight the immense power Trump could amass, particularly in the judiciary. “The Supreme Court, where Trump can replace two more judges, will bind the judiciary ever closer to him,” she warns, “further weakening the separation of powers and his own legal boundaries.”

Pollatschek’s words reflect a broader sentiment that emerged the night of the election. As Trump began to take the lead in the early hours of the morning, many Germans—and others abroad—found themselves unable to sleep, gripped by a sense of dread and helplessness. “Half past five is the perfect time for feeling helpless, for panicking,” she wrote, capturing the growing anxiety that accompanied the election results.

Yet, as the dust settled, Pollatschek stressed that fear and frustration were ultimately futile. “Fear is pointless,” she asserted, as if to reassure her readers that their emotions were misplaced. “You’re in Germany, you can’t really do anything except watch or look away. It makes no difference. America doesn’t care at all.”

The journalist went further, reflecting on the odd intensity of German concern over U.S. elections, describing it as a blend of “cultural imperialism” and “cultural appropriation.” She questioned why a country thousands of miles away from the U.S. should feel so deeply affected by its political machinations.

In a final, almost resigned tone, Pollatschek captured the uncertainty that now hangs over both Americans and Europeans alike. “OK, there was the attempted coup. But that was back then. That was a completely different situation,” she wrote, referencing the events of January 6, 2021. “American democracy is so old, it can handle it. The Egyptian Empire, the Roman Empire—they lasted for ages. And if the U.S. democracy doesn’t last forever, at least it has kept us watching. Let’s see what the next day brings.”

The article resonated with readers, many of whom expressed a mixture of laughter and frustration in the comments section. “Nice piece, otherwise. I laughed,” one commenter wrote, capturing the absurdity and emotional whiplash of the moment. “Great article, cheers me up a bit :),” said another, while one user found solace in Pollatschek’s cynical optimism: “From the vomit bucket to the precise description of Trump’s character—this article is a highlight, thank you! Curiosity lives on.”

The declaration of Trump’s win came on Wednesday morning after a grueling battle against Vice President Kamala Harris. With the final count in, it became clear: The political landscape had shifted again, leaving both Americans and the international community watching with bated breath. What will the next four years bring? Only time will tell, but as Pollatschek so aptly put it, “curiosity lives.”