Special Poll
Germany’s foreign ministry responded sharply on Wednesday to former U.S. President Donald Trump after he criticized the country’s energy policies during the presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the debate, Trump criticized Germany’s transition to renewable energy, claiming that the country had regretted its decision. “You believe in things like we’re not going to frack, we’re not going to take fossil fuel, we’re not going to do things that are going to be strong, whether you like it or not,” Trump said, directing his remarks toward Harris. He added, “Germany tried that, and within one year, they were back to building normal energy plants.”
However, the German foreign ministry quickly responded with a blunt statement on social media, refuting Trump’s claims. “Like it or not: Germany’s energy system is fully operational, with more than 50 percent renewables,” the ministry wrote. They also pointed out that Germany is “shutting down — not building — coal and nuclear plants,” with a commitment to phase coal out by 2038.
In a pointed addition, the ministry wrote, “PS: We also don’t eat cats and dogs. #Debate2024,” referring to Trump’s repetition of a debunked claim that undocumented immigrants were eating people’s pets in Ohio.
Germany has had to navigate significant energy challenges, particularly after years of relying on Russian oil and gas. The situation worsened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, forcing the country to keep some coal-fired power plants online longer than planned and restart others.
Berlin has also faced criticism for its decision to close nuclear reactors following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima disaster, a move initiated by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government. Despite these challenges, Germany remains committed to its renewable energy goals.