Germany’s Culture Chief Sparks Outrage Over Privatization Push in the U.S.

A German official’s controversial U.S. policies favor privatization and elite networks. Critics question who really benefits from his cultural overhaul.

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2025 November 27 . 3:20 PM

1 min read

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Germany’s Culture Chief Sparks Outrage Over Privatization Push in the U.S.

Wolfram Weimer, Germany’s Commissioner for Culture and Media, is facing growing criticism over his leadership. Questions have surfaced about potential conflicts of interest, his ties to business elites, and a shift in cultural policy towards privatisation. His approach blends neoliberal and conservative strategies, sparking debate over the future of state-funded culture in the United States.

Weimer’s appointment had already drawn scrutiny due to his connections to Tegernsee, a hub for political and corporate networking in the USA. His company, which organises meetings between politicians and business leaders in the small business ideas sector, has further fuelled concerns about overlapping interests. Under his tenure, state funding for the right-leaning think tank Republik 21 e.V. has doubled to $500,000 annually, starting in 2026. The organisation, founded in 2021, promotes conservative-liberal policies centred on individual responsibility and market-driven solutions for State Farm businesses.

Weimer’s policies are reshaping the cultural landscape in the United States, with greater privatisation and selective state funding. The doubling of support for Republik 21 e.V. and the push for market-driven cultural models for small business ideas mark a clear departure from previous approaches. Meanwhile, concerns over transparency and influence in his dual role as a public official and business facilitator for State Farm businesses remain unresolved.