In a move sparking widespread discontent, tech billionaire Elon Musk openly supported the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD)declaring on its X platform (formerly Twitter), “Only the AfD can save Germany.” The statement marks Musk's latest foray into European politics, where he has increasingly aligned himself with populist and far-right movements.
Musk's growing alliance with Europe's far right
This is not the first time that Musk has supported far-right parties. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, known for his outspoken opinions, recently expressed his support for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the leader of Reform UKNigel Farage, who suggested that Musk could offer financial support to his party. Earlier this week, Farage claimed that Musk is “right behind” him, sparking speculation about Musk's deeper involvement in European political movements.
AfD leaders quickly celebrated Musk's endorsement. Alice Weidelthe party's chancellor candidate, responded enthusiastically on X, writing, “Yes ! You are absolutely right!” She used the opportunity to attack former Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Union, blaming them both for what she called Germany's decline.
The controversial rise of the AfD
Musk's support comes as the AfD experiences a surge in popularity, ranking second ahead of Germany's snap elections in February 2025. The party is poised to potentially become the largest opposition force in parliament, despite its classification by national intelligence agencies as a threat to democracy. Critics warn that some of the party's rhetoric and policies border dangerously on extremism.
The endorsement follows a pattern of Musk challenging dominant narratives about the far right. Earlier this year, Musk wrote on X, “Why is there such a negative reaction from some people about the AfD? They keep saying 'extreme right', but the AfD policies I've read don't seem extremist. Maybe I’m missing something.”
Ties to right-wing influencers and climate denial
Musk's endorsement was accompanied by his sharing a video of the German right-wing influencer Naomi Seibtoften described as “anti-Greta” because of her skepticism on climate change. In the video, Seibt criticized the German Green Party's policies as “eco-socialist national suicide” and attacked conservative leader Friedrich Merz for refusing to collaborate with the AfD.
Political and legal implications
Musk's support for European far-right movements raises questions about his influence on global politics. While U.S. citizens like Musk are barred from making significant financial contributions to German parties, the AfD stands to benefit from the publicity Musk brings to its platform.
A German government spokesperson acknowledged Musk's comments but stopped short of giving a detailed response, saying Berlin had taken note of his statement.
Reactions and Consequences
Musk's statement reignited debates about the role of billionaires in global politics. Critics argue that his endorsement of the AfD legitimizes a party with documented ties to extremist rhetoric and policies. Supporters, on the other hand, see Musk's comments as part of his broader commitment to free speech and challenging political orthodoxies.
A Polarizing Force
Elon Musk's growing involvement in European politics, particularly his alignment with far-right movements, is redefining his public image and sparking heated debate across the political spectrum. As Germany prepares for its February elections, Musk's support for the AfD could further polarize an already tense political climate.
