In an era defined by political turmoil and shifting sentiments, more Americans are dreaming of a life in Germany, particularly in Berlin, as fears of an authoritarian U.S. government under President Donald Trump take hold. One such individual is Shawn Miller, a U.S. citizen who currently works for SpaceX, a company spearheaded by Trump advisor Elon Musk. Miller acknowledges that his homeland feels increasingly alien to him, largely due to Trump’s divisive policies and their potential implications on American democracy.
"I really fear for myself and my family," Miller admits while contemplating his possible new life in Berlin. His desire for universal healthcare parallels Germany’s system, contrasting sharply with the American model. He believes that there’s no place for his liberal values in a country becoming more authoritarian, which has steered him towards considering emigration.
According to Martin Tollenaere, an immigration attorney at Fragomen, the growing trend among U.S. citizens wanting to move to Germany reflects a significant shift in mindset, with inquiries from Americans surpassing those during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021. “Germany has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to emigrate,” he explains. Tollenaere notes that Berlin, reputed for its inclusivity and relative affordability compared to U.S. cities, has a strong appeal. The recent introduction of the 'Chancenkarte,' which allows skilled workers from non-EU countries to stay for up to a year while seeking employment, further boosts Germany's attractiveness for American professionals.
The Max-Planck-Gesellschaft is preparing for an influx of American researchers dissatisfied with the U.S. government's cuts to funding. Their expertise could significantly contribute to Germany’s ambitions in future technologies. However, as the influx of high-earning newcomers arrives, Berlin’s housing market is already strained. Ulrike Hamann-Onertz from the Berliner Mieterverein anticipates that rising rents will accompany an increase in demand as more affluent transplants seek homes. This shift, while beneficial for the city's economy, could further exacerbate housing shortages.
The U.S. remains a vital export market for Berlin’s economy, with more than 1.5 billion Euros worth of goods exported in 2023. However, Trump's ongoing tariff policies are casting a shadow over this relationship. In fact, the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce warns that proposed tariffs ranging from 10 to 15 percent could shrink the export volume by as much as 15 percent, resulting in losses exceeding 100 million Euros annually. A report from the economic research institute Prognos highlights that around 1.2 million jobs in Germany rely on exports to the United States, making the potential repercussions of high tariffs a serious concern for German industries.
The stakes are high. The German economy is grappling with issues stemming from geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia and China, and deteriorating trade relations with the U.S. Professor Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, emphasized that Europe, especially Germany, could face significant economic challenges if markets become more protectionist.
Further complicating matters, consumer sentiment toward American products is declining internationally in response to Trump's protectionist policies. Many Canadians and Europeans are now actively seeking to boycott U.S. goods. A Swedish Facebook group named “Bojkotta varor fran USA” (Boycott Products from the USA) has surged to nearly 80,000 members, advocating for the avoidance of American products amid mounting political tensions. This sentiment echoes across Germany, where a recent survey indicated that 64 percent of Germans would steer clear of U.S. products when viable.
In a particularly telling instance, Tesla is feeling the effects of this anti-U.S. sentiment. Sales of the electric vehicle manufacturer plunged by 45 percent in Europe during January 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline comes amidst frequent fluctuations in Trump’s tariff policies, which, according to Tesla, pose a significant threat to its operations. The car manufacturer has expressed concerns to the U.S. Trade Representative, warning that the existing tariffs could jeopardize its profitability and potentially lead to insolvency.
As reports outline, Trump’s insistence on retaliatory tariffs against various allies, including Canada, further endangers the bilateral relationship. Toronto’s decision to cut subsidies for Tesla vehicles exemplifies this backlash, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and legislators react to tariffs aimed at their market.
Despite these challenges, the hope of migration remains strong for many Americans like Miller. As populist movements gain traction throughout the globe, he hopes that Germany can be shielded from such currents. However, the rise of populist parties in the country raises concerns about whether America’s unpredictable political climate will ripple through to Europe.
In this context, Miller retains realistic perspectives about his potential future in Germany while being open to alternative plans if necessary. Despite the uncertainty surrounding American relations with Europe under the current administration, the availability of job opportunities, the appeal of Berlin's cultural scene, and the promise of a more stable life could inspire thousands more to make similar choices. As translating political concerns into palpable action becomes more common, it remains to be seen how these ongoing dynamics will shape transatlantic ties in the years to come.
