Thu Dec 11 08:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

AfD parliamentary leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla are under fire for a lavish trip to New York City involving approximately 20 AfD politicians from various parliaments (Bundestag, EU Parliament, and the Landtag of Saxony-Anhalt). The trip, largely funded by taxpayer money, centers around an award ceremony for AfD politician Markus Frohnmaier by the New York Young Republican Club, a youth organization affiliated with Donald Trump’s Republican Party. Critics within and outside the AfD are denouncing the trip as a “fun trip at taxpayer expense” and questioning its value, particularly for representatives from Saxony-Anhalt. The total cost of the trip could exceed €100,000, with substantial funds coming from parliamentary group budgets that are fueled by taxpayer money. The trip highlights the AfD’s growing ties with Trump’s Republicans, even as questions are raised about the propriety of using public funds for what some perceive as a political junket.

News Article:

AfD Under Fire for Taxpayer-Funded “Luxury Trip” to Trump Youth Gala in New York

Berlin – The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is facing scrutiny over a costly trip to New York City involving nearly 20 party members, allegedly funded largely by taxpayer money. The trip centers around an award ceremony for AfD politician Markus Frohnmaier, a close ally of party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, by the New York Young Republican Club, a youth organization affiliated with the Republican Party of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to reports, the trip involves members of the Bundestag (German Parliament), the European Parliament, and the Landtag (state parliament) of Saxony-Anhalt. Estimates place the cost for the eight Bundestag members alone at around €60,000, with the total cost potentially exceeding €100,000 when including expenses for the other parliamentarians. These funds are drawn from parliamentary group budgets, which are ultimately funded by taxpayer money.

A spokesperson for the AfD parliamentary group confirmed the costs to BILD, stating that the expenses fall under the regulations of the German Bundestag for parliamentary group travel. However, critics are questioning the necessity and appropriateness of using public funds for what they describe as a political networking event and celebration.

“This is a fun trip at taxpayer expense,” a high-ranking AfD source told BILD, expressing skepticism about the value of the trip. A source within the Saxony-Anhalt party echoed these sentiments, saying “Saxony-Anhalt has nothing to do with the USA.”

The trip highlights the AfD’s deepening connections with Trump’s Republican base, further fueling debate about the party’s foreign policy priorities. The timing of the trip, and the alleged use of public funds, has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning whether it represents a responsible use of taxpayer money. The AfD has not yet issued a comprehensive statement defending the trip beyond stating that it complies with parliamentary regulations.

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