Elon Musk recently delivered a controversial speech to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, urging Germans to move past guilt associated with their country’s history and embrace pride in their culture and heritage. Musk emphasized that Germans should celebrate their ethnicity and values instead of being weighed down by the atrocities of the past. While he did not mention specific events, many interpreted his comments as a reference to the Holocaust.
Musk also spoke against the influence of multiculturalism, warning that globalization risks diluting Germany’s unique identity. His remarks were met with applause from the AfD audience, a party known for its opposition to immigration, particularly from Muslim countries. This further stoked controversy, as Musk’s comments aligned with the party’s anti-immigration stance.
The speech comes amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s recent actions, including accusations of performing a Nazi-style salute during Donald Trump’s inauguration. Musk has denied any such intent, but his comments and gestures have sparked polarized reactions, with Republicans defending him and Democrats condemning his behavior.
Elon Musk tells an AfD rally in Germany: "I think there is too much focus on past guilt (in Germany), and we need to move beyond that. Children should not feel guilty for the sins of their parents – their great grandparents even" pic.twitter.com/xtFMfAYrIp
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 25, 2025
Musk’s remarks in Germany have only added fuel to the ongoing debate about his political and cultural views, ensuring that criticism over his alignment with far-right rhetoric is unlikely to subside anytime soon.