Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close adviser to President Donald Trump, has ignited global controversy after endorsing Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Speaking at an AfD rally via video, Musk praised the party as Germany’s “best hope” ahead of its February 23 election and called for an end to the nation’s “past guilt” over its Nazi history.
Musk’s Endorsement Draws Sharp Rebukes
Musk’s remarks, including a plea to “preserve German culture” and opposition to multiculturalism, were met with cheers from the 4,500-strong crowd. However, the timing of his speech—just before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz—drew fierce criticism.
Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister, described Musk’s comments as ominous, stating: “The words we heard… sounded all too familiar and ominous.” U.S. officials, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, also condemned Musk’s remarks, questioning why President Trump has remained silent.
International Outcry Over AfD Connections
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled Musk’s endorsement of the AfD a threat to European democracy. The AfD, known for its anti-immigration and nationalist policies, has been criticized for ties to extremist rhetoric. Party leader Alice Weidel, who appeared alongside Musk, dismissed allegations linking the AfD to the Nazi party as “absurd,” claiming Adolf Hitler was a “communist socialist guy.”
Musk’s Controversial Conduct
Musk, who spent over $277 million supporting Trump’s reelection campaign, now leads the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration. During Trump’s inauguration celebrations, Musk raised further alarms with a gesture critics likened to the Nazi “Sieg Heil,” which he dismissed as a smear campaign by “radical leftists.”
This marks the latest in Musk’s growing alignment with far-right leaders globally. While previously critical of authoritarianism, his recent endorsements include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former Reform U.K. Party leader Nigel Farage.
Implications for Musk and Global Politics
Musk’s actions have fueled debates over the responsibilities of influential figures in addressing historical injustices and the rise of far-right movements. Critics warn that his support for the AfD could embolden nationalist sentiments in Europe and damage international efforts to combat extremism.
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