Germany’s foreign ministry has engaged in a heated exchange with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following his criticism of the country’s decision to classify the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “right-wing extremist” organization. The dispute escalated on May 2, 2025, involving not only Rubio but also U.S. Vice President JD Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk, drawing attention to a significant strain in U.S.-German relations.
The timing of this spat is particularly poignant, occurring just days before the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender. Moreover, Germany is on the brink of electing conservative leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor after a coalition deal was recently approved.
Rubio, who has recently taken on the role of acting national security adviser under President Donald Trump, took to social media platform X to express his discontent. He asserted, “Germany just gave its spy agency new powers to surveil the opposition. That’s not democracy — it’s tyranny in disguise.” He further claimed that the real extremism lies not with the AfD, which finished second in recent elections, but with the establishment’s immigration policies that the AfD vehemently opposes.
In a pointed response, Germany’s foreign ministry countered Rubio’s assertions, stating, “This is democracy. This decision is the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law.” They emphasized that independent courts would ultimately decide the matter, reinforcing their stance that right-wing extremism must be addressed given Germany’s historical context.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) classified the AfD as a “right-wing extremist” organization, a designation that allows authorities to monitor the party more closely using informants and surveillance tools. The BfV stated that the AfD “disregards human dignity” through its ongoing agitation against refugees and migrants, which they argue threatens the country’s democratic order.
Oleksii Makeiev, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, expressed concerns over the AfD's ties to Russia, particularly in light of the party's opposition to Germany’s support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Germany is currently the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine, following the United States.
AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla condemned the BfV’s classification as “a severe blow to German democracy,” claiming it was politically motivated. They vowed to legally defend against what they termed “democracy-endangering defamations.” The party’s electoral success, which saw them secure approximately 21% of the vote in February’s elections, has solidified their position as a significant political force in Germany.
Vance, in his own post on X, claimed that the AfD is “the most popular party in Germany, and by far the most representative of East Germany.” He accused bureaucrats of attempting to undermine the party, invoking historical parallels to the Berlin Wall. “The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt — not by the Soviets or the Russians, but by the German establishment,” he stated.
Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of the AfD, echoed Vance’s sentiments, remarking, “Banning the AfD would be an extreme attack on democracy.” He further described the party as “centrist,” aligning with Vance’s assertion that it is Germany’s most popular party.
Despite the AfD’s rise, mainstream German political parties have maintained a “firewall” against collaboration with far-right groups. This stance has resulted in a complicated political landscape where the AfD's increasing popularity is met with resistance from traditional parties.
The AfD’s platform, which includes strong anti-immigrant sentiments and a populist economic policy advocating for tax cuts and increased public spending, has resonated with many voters, particularly in regions that once comprised East Germany. Weidel, the party’s co-leader, has been instrumental in this shift, transitioning the party from the fringes to a significant player in German politics.
However, the party has faced scrutiny over its past remarks and actions. Co-founder Alexander Gauland’s dismissal of Hitler’s dictatorship as a “speck of bird poop” and comments from party candidates that minimize the actions of the Nazi regime have drawn significant criticism.
As this political drama unfolds, the implications for U.S.-German relations remain uncertain. The Trump administration has historically criticized European governments’ treatment of right-wing populist parties, and the current exchange between U.S. officials and German leaders highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding free speech, political surveillance, and the rise of far-right movements across Europe.
In the wake of this controversy, the future of the AfD and its role in German politics will likely continue to be a focal point of both national and international discourse, as the party navigates its identity amid allegations of extremism and the complexities of European politics.
