Musk Tells Germans to ‘Move Beyond’ Past Guilt in Video Appearance at AfD Rally

Elon Musk showed support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party by making a surprise video appearance at the party’s campaign launch event.

The Details: Musk controversially told supporters of AfD, which has supported mass deportations of migrants, that they should “move beyond” their nation’s past and not feel guilt for the actions of previous generations. Musk's statements have sparked debate and opposition demonstrations in Germany.

For Context: Musk also faced heavy criticism for a gesture during President Trump’s inauguration that many perceived to be a Nazi salute. In September, AfD, alongside a populist left-wing party, achieved historic election results in eastern German provinces, largely off the back of anti-immigration platforms. Germans will vote in federal elections on February 23, to remedy the November collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government.

Key Quotes: Musk told AfD supporters, “I think there is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that. Children should not feel guilty for the sins of their parents - their great grandparents even.” He also said, “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.”

How The Media Covered It: CBS News (Lean Left bias) wrote in its opening paragraph that AfD “has been labelled [sic] a suspected extremist organization by Germany's national security services.” Euronews (Center) framed its coverage through comments from European leaders who were critical of Musk. Washington Examiner (Lean Right) offered ample context on AfD and German politics. The Examiner noted how AfD has grown since 2015, but that “it has always been locked out of the government” due to all major parties vowing to not work with it as they say it is too extreme.