Musk's AfD Endorsement Sparks German Political Backlash

Elon Musk has sparked controversy in Germany by endorsing the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party ahead of the February 23, 2025, elections. Musk's public support, expressed through social media posts and an op-ed in Welt am Sonntag, has led to widespread criticism from German officials, who accuse him of meddling in national politics. The AfD is known for its anti-immigration stance and is monitored by Germany's domestic intelligence for right-wing extremism. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders have rebuked Musk, emphasizing that the election should be decided by German voters, not external influencers. Musk argues that the AfD offers a necessary political realism and economic recovery plan, while detractors see his actions as bolstering extremist and illiberal movements globally. The situation has been further complicated by the resignation of a German newspaper editor in protest of publishing Musk's op-ed.