Elon Musk has sparked controversy by hosting a live chat with Alice Weidel, the frontwoman of Germany’s far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The 74-minute conversation covered a wide range of topics, including energy policy, German bureaucracy, and even Adolf Hitler, whom Weidel claimed was a “communist” despite his well-documented anti-communist views ¹.
Musk unequivocally endorsed the AfD, urging Germans to support the party in the upcoming elections. This move has been met with criticism, as some accuse Musk of meddling in Germany’s snap election. The AfD has been officially classified as a right-wing extremist party by German authorities, and has been linked to far-right networks.
Weidel used the opportunity to express her support for US President-elect Donald Trump and his team, and to insist that the AfD is a “conservative” and “libertarian” party that has been unfairly maligned by the mainstream media.
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD has sparked alarm among some leaders, who have warned against misinformation and undue influence. Despite this, Musk has justified his intervention by citing his significant investments in Germany, including a huge Tesla plant just outside Berlin
