German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a planned phone call with US President Donald Trump just hours after Trump publicly expressed approval of the far-right AfD’s election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. The move highlights how quickly comments from Washington can spill into German domestic politics.

According to Iltalehti, Merz made the decision soon after Trump’s remarks drew attention. It is not yet clear when the call was due to take place, or whether the cancellation will affect future contact between the two leaders.