Billionaire Association Leaves a Trail: Jens Spahn Implicated

In a controversial turn of events, German Health Minister Jens Spahn finds himself under the spotlight for a multi-million euro deal with a pharmaceutical company, linked to one of his influential political contacts, billionaire Christian Angermayer.

Spahn, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group, has been known for his early public support for US President Donald Trump and his government, as well as his proximity to right-wing, authoritarian circles and billionaires with a political agenda. Angermayer, a multi-investor and one of the richest men in the world, shares many views with Trump, including the belief that migration is suicide for Europe.

In early 2021, Spahn announced a large order of questionable Covid medications worth a total of 400 million euros from two pharmaceutical companies. One of the firms involved in the success of the order was a company from Angermayer's fund's portfolio. Eli Lilly worked with the company Abcellera, in which Angermayer's fund held a two percent stake, in the development and marketing of the medication.

However, the US health authority FDA revoked the emergency approval of the drug due to higher risks than benefits. The medication proved to be an expensive misinvestment, with only 1,560 of the 190,000 doses administered by the end of the year.

The Federal Ministry of Health cites secret contracts and does not disclose how much of the 400 million dollar deal went to Angermayer. Angermayer's lawyer stated that he had nothing to do with the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, which received the order from Spahn's office.

Angermayer and Spahn have been close for years, partying together at lavish events, like galas in St. Tropez, surrounded by scantily clad models, pop stars like Queen Latifah and Robbie Williams. However, there were irregularities in the financing of one of these events, which also raises questions about Spahn.

Angermayer is not only involved in pharmaceutical businesses but also in listed companies for psychedelic research, crypto companies, FinTechs, and technology start-ups. He frequently invests together with US billionaire and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel - both are big supporters of Donald Trump. Angermayer is also well-connected in the right-libertarian camp in the US, and Spahn is betting on the proximity of Trump-linked, far-right politicians in the US, including former Ambassador to Berlin, Richard Grenell.

Spahn's influence circle and power base include close connections to the CDU/CSU parliamentary group which he leads since May 2025, the CDU party structure, and individuals such as the CDU-affiliated IT millionaire Frank Gotthardt, whose company network benefited from health policy decisions during Spahn’s tenure as Federal Health Minister; Gotthardt also financially supported the CDU and is linked to media aligned with Spahn's conservative-right wing position.

Spahn seems unbothered by the sharp right, aggressive tone of certain media outlets, such as News, and is betting on the proximity of Trump-linked, far-right politicians in the US. This latest controversy, however, may test the resilience of his political standing, as he faces pressure due to the failed election of constitutional lawyer Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as a judge at the Federal Constitutional Court.

Angermayer made around 100 million dollars from the stock price increase of Abcellera's shares. Despite the controversy, Angermayer remains a major donor to the CDU, having donated around 300,000 euros to the party. The question remains whether this financial support will continue to influence Spahn's political decisions and actions.