Backlash builds as Elon Musk endorses Germany’s far right – POLITICO

Musk lent his support to the AfD while reposting a video by Naomi Seibt, a German right-wing influencer known for her closeness to the AfD and for denying climate change caused by humans. German media have dubbed her the “anti-Greta,” in reference to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and in the video reposted by Musk, she described the German Greens’ environmental policies as “eco-socialist national suicide.”

Seibt’s video mainly consisted of an attack on the conservative leader Merz, who is leading the race to become the next chancellor, for his refusal to work with the AfD and his supposed criticism of what she called the “pro freedom” policies of Elon Musk and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.

Christian Lindner, the former finance minister and leader of the fiscally conservative Free Democratic Party (FDP), praised Musk’s ideas on cutting regulation and bureaucracy while warning against the AfD.

“Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei,” Lindner posted on X. “While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom, business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar.”

Musk, a U.S. citizen — who spent more than a quarter-billion dollars to help elect Trump — is considering donating up to $100 million to support Farage’s right-wing party in the U.K., according to media reports.

He wouldn’t be able to support the AfD in the same way. Non-EU foreigners are only allowed to donate up to a maximum of €1,000, according to German law.

This story has been updated.