Elon Musk makes surprise appearance at AfD event
3 Min Read
Musk endorses AfD, criticizes speech suppression in Germany, and urges support for the party.
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Elon Musk speaking via video link to a hall of around 4,500 Alternative for Germany (AfD) supporters in the central city of Halle. (AP)
Elon Musk made an unexpected appearance at Germany’s far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) election event in Halle, Eastern Germany, on Saturday, offering his public support for the second time in as many weeks.
Speaking to a crowd of 4,500 people via video link alongside AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, Musk talked about preserving German culture and values. “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” Musk stated.
The billionaire had sparked controversy the previous week after a gesture at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which some online compared to a Nazi salute.
On Saturday, Musk commented on Germany’s Nazi past, saying, “Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.” He argued there was an overemphasis on past guilt, adding, “We need to move beyond that.”
Driving the news
Musk, who has criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also discussed speech suppression under Germany’s government. Scholz, on Tuesday, responded by stating he doesn’t support freedom of speech when it promotes extreme-right views.
ELON: THERE IS A NEED FOR CHANGE IN EUROPE
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 25, 2025
"Go out there, talk to people... one vote at a time. There is a need for change, it's got to be done.
This election is so important... the future of civilization could hang on this election.
When something is so important... you… https://t.co/EZaAPwh4SR pic.twitter.com/fdFBUkasTp
Musk urged the audience to support AfD, calling it "the best hope for Germany’s fight for a great future for Germany.” Weidel thanked him and referenced the success of the “Make America Great Again” movement, urging her supporters to make Germany great again as well.
Earlier this month, Musk had hosted Weidel in an interview on X, leading to concerns about election interference.
Despite chilly weather, anti-far-right protesters gathered in large numbers, with 100,000 people assembling near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and up to 20,000 in Cologne, waving colorful umbrellas.
Elon Musk's influence stirs up European politics: WSJ
Elon Musk is shaking up Europe’s political arena with a wave of provocative commentary on contentious topics like immigration and free speech. His interventions have presented European governments with a complex challenge, as they grapple with the tech billionaire's growing influence and his emerging role as a key advisor to the incoming Trump administration.
According to a recent piece by The Wall Street Journal, Musk’s actions are reshaping political dynamics across the continent, drawing attention to the intersection of technology, power, and governance.
In recent weeks, Musk has posted a string of inflammatory messages on X, the platform he owns, targeting European politics. His posts include backing the AfD ahead of Germany’s elections, accusing the British prime minister of complicity in rape, criticizing Italian judges, and attacking the European Commission.
Musk’s direct and confrontational approach to foreign affairs, as per the piece, underscores the challenge that US allies will face as they navigate the upcoming Trump presidency. During Trump’s previous time in office, foreign governments had to contend with his unpredictable late-night social media posts. Now, they must also contend with Musk’s influence.
In Germany, some strategists and politicians fear Musk's personal opinions may influence the general election in February.
