A heated diplomatic clash erupted online Friday as U.S. officials criticized Germany over its stance toward the right-wing AfD party. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Berlin of undermining democracy in a post that quickly sparked backlash.
Rubio posted the remarks on X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday afternoon. He slammed Germany’s decision to classify the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extremist group.
“Germany just gave its spy agency new powers to surveil the opposition,” Rubio wrote. “That’s not democracy it’s tyranny in disguise.”
His comments referred to a ruling by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, which allowed increased surveillance of the AfD. German officials say this action aims to defend democracy.
However, Rubio insisted that such moves threaten democratic norms. He demanded that Germany reverse course immediately.
The Germany-AfD political controversy intensified further when U.S. Vice President JD Vance echoed Rubio’s criticism. Vance had previously met with AfD leaders in Munich before recent elections.
Vance accused German elites of silencing political rivals. “The bureaucrats are trying to destroy Germany’s most popular party,” he posted, quoting Rubio.
Germany’s Foreign Office responded sharply on the same platform. Officials defended their decision as legally grounded and constitutionally necessary.
“This is democracy,” Germany’s account stated. “The courts, not politicians, will make the final ruling.”
German officials emphasized the nation’s historical responsibility. “We have learned from our history that rightwing extremism must be stopped,” they posted.
Despite the backlash, Rubio stood firm. He claimed that Germany’s immigration policies, not the AfD, threaten national stability.
The Germany-AfD political controversy marks the latest strain in U.S.-German relations under the Trump administration. It also reflects rising tensions between Western allies over democratic values.
Critics argue that U.S. support for AfD undermines human rights. The party faces accusations of xenophobia, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and links to Nazi slogans.
In 2024, AfD leader Björn Höcke was convicted for publicly using banned Nazi phrases during a campaign rally. The ruling deepened international criticism.
Nevertheless, Rubio and Vance maintain that free speech remains under attack in Europe. In February, Vance warned that Europe was “retreating from post-Cold War values.”
Germany’s intelligence agency justified its ruling with harsh findings. Officials said AfD supports discrimination and ethnic exclusion based on religious background.
The Germany-AfD political controversy continues to spark global debate. Many question whether national security justifies restricting a popular opposition party.
As both sides dig in, the diplomatic divide seems far from resolution.
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