Leaked AfD Files Reveal Decade-Long Courtship of Trump and MAGA 2026

A leaked trove of documents from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has exposed the party's decade-long campaign to court Donald Trump and leading figures in the MAGA movement. The files reveal how senior AfD officials carefully crafted their approach to the US president, viewing him as a natural ally from the outset.

The leak offers an unprecedented look at the behind-the-scenes diplomacy of a party that is now surging in German polls and attempting to form the country's first far-right state government since World War II.

What the Leaked AfD Documents Reveal

The documents show that the AfD's efforts to woo Trump began well before his 2016 election victory. Senior party officials agonized over the wording of a congratulatory telegram, which included the wish that his "hopes as a person be fulfilled." The obsequious tone underscores how eagerly the AfD sought to align itself with the MAGA movement.

The trove stretches back more than a decade, detailing meetings, communications, and strategies aimed at building ties with Trump and his allies. It reveals a consistent pattern of flattery and ideological affinity.

The 2016 Telegram: A Case Study in Flattery

The congratulatory message sent after Trump's surprise win was carefully drafted to appeal to the president's ego. Officials debated the precise language, ultimately settling on a message that was both personal and political. This attention to detail highlights the AfD's strategic approach to cultivating relationships with like-minded leaders abroad.

Why the AfD Courts Trump and MAGA

The AfD's interest in Trump is rooted in shared ideological ground: anti-immigration, nationalism, and skepticism of global institutions. The party saw Trump's rise as a validation of its own agenda and a potential source of international legitimacy.

By aligning with Trump, the AfD hoped to bolster its credibility at home and abroad. The leaked files show that party officials believed a close relationship with the US president could help normalize their image and advance their political goals.

• Shared anti-immigration stance: Both the AfD and Trump built support on tough immigration policies.
• Nationalist rhetoric: The parties share a focus on national sovereignty and skepticism of international alliances.
• Mutual validation: Trump's praise of AfD electoral successes boosts the party's legitimacy.
• Strategic timing: The AfD's outreach intensified as its electoral fortunes rose.
• Transatlantic networks: The files reveal efforts to connect with MAGA-aligned groups and figures.

The AfD's Electoral Rise and Extremism Concerns

The AfD's courtship of Trump comes as the party reaches new heights in German politics. After entering the Bundestag in 2017 with 12.6% of the vote, it came second in the February 2025 federal election with 20.8% and now leads national polls at about 30%.

In September, the party won 43.8% in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt and is now trying to form Germany's first far-right state government since World War II. Trump hailed the win on Truth Social, ending his message with "MGGA!!!"—a German version of his Make America Great Again acronym.

However, the party remains under scrutiny. Germany's domestic intelligence agency monitors the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist organization, and state agencies classify five of its regional branches as confirmed extremist. The leak may add to concerns about the party's international connections.

What the Leak Means for Transatlantic Politics

The leaked files underscore the growing ties between far-right movements on both sides of the Atlantic. They reveal a coordinated effort by the AfD to align itself with Trump's political brand, potentially influencing German politics and US-Europe relations. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles. A related thread runs through Trump Florida Rally Follows Ramaswamy Ad Furor and Ballot Measures. Earlier coverage in Oil Hits Five-Month High on Fears of Renewed US Strikes on Iran shows how the argument developed.

As the AfD seeks to form a state government, its international connections will likely face increased scrutiny. The leak may also complicate the party's efforts to appear moderate to mainstream voters. A closer look at the same subject appears in AI Fear Comes From Not Understanding How It Works. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Police Seize Five Lamborghinis for Driving Too Slowly on Highway. The same theme surfaces in Young Americans Are Choosing Used Y2K Cars Over New SUVs, which takes a different angle.

The documents provide a rare glimpse into the AfD's internal strategy and its long-term vision of a nationalist international. For observers of global far-right movements, the leak is a significant development. Context on how this played out before sits in Pascal Gross: The Obsessive Runner Keeping Brighton Ahead.

FAQ

What did the leaked AfD documents reveal about their outreach to Trump?

The documents revealed over a decade of efforts by AfD officials to court Trump and MAGA allies, including agonizing over a congratulatory telegram after his 2016 election and seeking to build ideological and personal ties.

Why is the AfD interested in aligning with Donald Trump?

The AfD shares Trump's anti-immigration and nationalist agenda and sees association with him as a way to gain international legitimacy and bolster its domestic standing.

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How has the AfD performed in recent German elections?

The AfD entered the Bundestag in 2017 with 12.6% of the vote, came second in the February 2025 federal election with 20.8%, and won 43.8% in the September 2025 Saxony-Anhalt state election. It currently leads national polls at about 30%.

Is the AfD considered extremist?

Germany's domestic intelligence agency monitors the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist organization, and five of its regional branches are classified as confirmed extremist.