Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has criticized Elon Musk for allegedly supporting neo-Nazism in Germany following a controversial post on Musk’s X platform.
The post suggested that the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the only group capable of saving the country from its current challenges.
In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Murphy expressed his concerns about Musk’s endorsement of the AfD, a party labeled as extremist by Germany’s own government. The exchange highlighted the implications of Musk’s influence on global politics.
The interview:
Senator Chris Murphy accuses Elon Musk of supporting a “neo-Nazi party” in Germany.pic.twitter.com/tx6t4AtiQ3
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Transcript Excerpt:
Dana Bash: “Musk endorsed the far-right German political party Alternative for Germany, AFD for short, saying, quote, ‘only the AFD can save Germany.’ This is a group that has been labeled as extremist by Germany’s own government. One of its founders has been charged in the past with promoting Nazi slogans. I saw that you noticed this on X. Can you talk about your reaction to this?”
Chris Murphy: “Yeah, I mean, this is not normal. AFD is essentially the neo-Nazi party in Germany. They exist to try to rehabilitate the image of the Nazi party. They have very dangerous ideas about ridding Germany of anyone who is not naturally born in that country.
“They are an extremist group. And it is just extraordinary that maybe the most important advisor to the President of the United States, somebody who has been parading around the halls of Congress as a key advisor to the President, is endorsing a neo-Nazi party inside Germany.”
When asked what Musk’s post signifies, Murphy added:
“I don’t know what it tells me. But what we know is that what Elon Musk thinks tends to eventually be what the President of the United States thinks.
“If the United States takes an official position in favor of neo-Nazis in Germany, it would be absolutely catastrophic—for Germany, for Europe, and ultimately for the United States.”
The AfD has faced significant scrutiny for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, which critics argue veers into extremism. Murphy later posted on X, suggesting the AfD’s mission is “to rehabilitate the image of the Nazi movement.”
Despite these criticisms, supporters of the AfD argue that it is a conservative organization focused on limiting mass immigration, preserving Germany’s national identity, and challenging political correctness.
The controversy around Musk’s post comes amidst heightened tensions in Germany following a recent terror attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
An immigrant from Saudi Arabia reportedly drove a vehicle into the festive crowd, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. The attack has reignited debates around immigration policy and security in Germany, with critics of the government’s immigration stance pointing to such incidents as evidence of failed policies.
