Elon Musk Sparks Controversy with Support for Germany’s Far-Right AfD Party

Tech mogul and close adviser to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has stirred international controversy by publicly endorsing Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a guest opinion piece for the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Musk defended the party against accusations of extremism, a move that led to the resignation of the newspaper's opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel.

The piece, published online on Saturday and in print on Sunday, used populist rhetoric to counter claims of the AfD’s far-right leanings. Musk argued that the party’s leadership, including Alice Weidel—a politician with a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka—contradicts accusations of extremism.

“The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false,” Musk wrote, adding, “Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!”

The AfD, known for its strong anti-immigration stance and calls for mass deportations, has been classified as a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency since 2021. Despite this, Musk has recently voiced his support for the party on X, his social media platform, claiming that “only the AfD can save Germany.”

Musk’s endorsement comes amid political turmoil in Germany, as the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed earlier this year. With elections scheduled for 23 February, the AfD is currently polling second and could significantly impact the formation of a new government.

Eva Marie Kogel, editor of Welt am Sonntag’s opinion section, resigned following the publication of Musk’s piece. Announcing her decision on X, she stated, “I always enjoyed heading the opinion department at Welt and Wams. Today, a text by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. Yesterday I submitted my resignation after printing.”

The newspaper's senior editors, Jan Philipp Burgard and Ulf Poschardt, defended the decision to publish Musk’s article, citing the importance of free speech and open debate in journalism. However, Burgard also penned a response to Musk's commentary, acknowledging valid criticisms of Germany’s current political landscape but rejecting the AfD as the solution, citing their anti-EU stance and pro-Russia policies.

Musk’s defense of the AfD, coupled with his significant investments in Germany, has drawn sharp criticism and concern over his growing influence in European politics. The billionaire justified his involvement, arguing that his business interests in the country grant him the right to participate in political discourse.

Musk’s endorsement also aligns with the hardline immigration stance of incoming U.S. Vice President JD Vance, further amplifying the international dimension of the debate.

With Germany’s mainstream political parties pledging to exclude the AfD from coalition talks, Musk’s controversial intervention highlights the challenges of navigating populist rhetoric and the influence of global tech leaders on national politics.

As Germany approaches its pivotal February elections, the debate over the AfD’s role in shaping the country's future will likely intensify, further fueled by Musk’s unexpected alliance with the far-right party.