Diplomatic exchange between Rubio and Germany's Foreign Ministry, as Rubio criticizes Germany, referring to it as a form of "tyranny hidden behind a mask".
OnFriday, a heated clash unfolded on X as the newest interim US National Security Adviser, Marco Rubio, accused Germany of a cloaked tyranny, labeling their designation of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist as an oppressive power grab. Rubio criticized the move, stating it grants Germany's domestic intelligence agency additional surveillance authority over the political party.
Vice President JD Vance followed suit, aligning with Rubio's rebuke of the decision on the same platform later that day. Rubio's post attested, "That's not democracy — it's tyranny in disguise." He defended the AfD, contending that their opposition to the establishment's deadly open border immigration policies was more radical than the party itself.
The AfD, a party that took second place in recent elections, has been under scrutiny for engaging in anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, and xenophobic rhetoric, including calls for the mass expulsion of immigrants. Bjoern Hoecke, a key politician within the party, was previously convicted for violating German laws against publicizing Nazi slogans.
Refuting Rubio's allegations, the German Foreign Office defended the decision, emphasizing the thoroughness and independence of the investigation, which aimed to protect the country's Constitution and rule of law. They warned against foolishly revising history, asserting that right-wing extremism needed to be eradicated.
Rubio's statements did not mark the first instance of high-level Trump officials endorsing the far-right party. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders of abandoning post-Cold War values and suppressing free speech. This accusation left European officials stunned and outraged.
According to recent reports, Germany's domestic intelligence agency deemed the AfD a threat to the country's democratic order due to their platform, public statements, and connections to right-wing extremist groups. The party stands accused of violating constitutional principles of human dignity, democracy, and rule of law.
Despite the allegations, AfD leaders maintain their innocence. Reports indicate that local branches have also challenged the surveillance, citing infringements on their civil liberties.
- Senator Marco Rubio, now the interim US National Security Adviser, and Vice President JD Vance rebuked Germany's labeling of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist, arguing it as a power grab and a form of tyranny.
- The German Foreign Office defended the decision to designate the AfD as extremist, highlighting the thoroughness and independence of the investigation aimed at safeguarding the country's Constitution and rule of law.
- In response to Rubio's statements, European officials were left stunned and outraged when Vice President JD Vance accused them of suppressing free speech during a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February.
- The AfD, a party known for its anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, and xenophobic rhetoric, has been accused of violating constitutional principles of human dignity, democracy, and rule of law by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which deemed them a threat to the country's democratic order.
- Despite the allegations, AfD leaders deny the charges and have challenged the surveillance imposed on them, citing infringements on their civil liberties.
