The GOP and Musk are turning into the Nazi Party of the West
Germany’s far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is increasingly seeking legitimacy by associating with high-profile reactionaries like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This tactic mirrors historical attempts by fascist movements to establish international support networks, much like how early Nazi sympathizers sought ideological allies in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s.
Elon Musk’s involvement with the AfD has been particularly disturbing. Speaking at an AfD campaign event, he downplayed Germany’s responsibility for its past, claiming the country should “move on” from its historical guilt. These remarks, which trivialize the horrors of Nazism, were met with swift condemnation from organizations like Israel’s World Holocaust Remembrance Center. However, Musk’s rhetoric is only part of the problem—on Inauguration Day, he was also caught on camera making what appeared to be a Nazi salute, a move that further entrenches concerns about his alignment with far-right ideologies.
The AfD’s embrace of figures like Musk and Trump serves a clear purpose: to mainstream its xenophobic and ultranationalist rhetoric under the guise of “free speech” and “anti-woke” politics. By leveraging Musk’s massive platform and influence, the AfD aims to soften its image while reinforcing far-right narratives on immigration, nationalism, and historical revisionism. Trump’s indirect ties to the AfD further strengthen this international network of reactionary ideology.
The parallels to the early 20th century are difficult to ignore. In the 1920s and 1930s, German fascists sought support from sympathetic American elites who saw them as a stronghold against communism. Today, Musk and other far-right influencers appear to be following a similar strategy—exporting their ideology to foreign movements to strengthen global ultranationalist networks. The normalization of these alliances should raise alarm bells for anyone concerned about the resurgence of authoritarianism.
Far-right extremism is no longer a localized phenomenon—it is an interconnected, transnational movement. The AfD’s attempts to ride the coattails of Musk and Trump reveal a broader effort to create a global ecosystem of nationalist, authoritarian politics. This should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric; history shows us that these ideological collaborations have real-world consequences. The normalization of fascist rhetoric—whether in Germany, the U.S., or elsewhere—threatens democracy on a global scale.
What are your thoughts on the AfD’s growing international ties? Share your perspective in the comments below.
sources: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/01/europe/germany-afd-obsessed-trump-musk-intl/index.html