Sat May 03 12:02:13 UTC 2025: **US and Germany Clash Over AfD Classification as Right-Wing Extremist**

BERLIN, May 3, 2025 – A transatlantic spat erupted on Friday over Germany’s classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a right-wing extremist organization. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the decision, sparking a heated exchange involving the German Foreign Ministry, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.

The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution deemed the AfD, which came second in February’s national elections, a threat to democracy due to its stance on refugees and migrants. This classification grants intelligence services expanded surveillance powers. AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla denounced the move as a blow to democracy and politically motivated.

Rubio, in a social media post, called on Germany to reverse the decision, arguing that the “establishment’s open border policies” are the true extremism. The German Foreign Ministry countered that the classification resulted from a thorough investigation to protect the constitution and rule of law, emphasizing the independence of the courts in the matter.

Adding fuel to the fire, Vice President Vance likened the situation to Cold War tactics, suggesting that the German establishment was suppressing a popular party, particularly representative of East Germany. Musk, a vocal supporter of the AfD, amplified Vance’s comments, highlighting the irony of the situation. Musk’s support for the AfD includes a livestreamed interview with Weidel that reached over 200,000 viewers. Vance himself previously met with Weidel and criticized the German political establishment’s reluctance to cooperate with far-right parties.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of Germany’s upcoming chancellorship vote and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding the issue of far-right extremism in the country. The incident underscores the rising influence of far-right parties in Europe and the increasing international attention they receive.

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