Elon Musk calls Scholz an 'Incompetent fool,' faces backlash for 'Only AfD can save Germany' comment after Christmas market attack

Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has ignited outrage after calling for

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

’s resignation in the aftermath of a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The incident, involving a car ramming into a crowd, left at least two dead and dozens injured.
Musk’s posts on X have also drawn backlash for his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which he labeled as "Germany’s savior."
“Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool,” Musk posted following the attack. Earlier, he had tweeted, “Only the AfD can save Germany,” while reposting a video by German rightwing influencer Naomi Seibt criticizing other political leaders.
Political firestorm

Musk’s remarks sparked sharp criticism from German officials. Health minister Karl Lauterbach described Musk’s involvement as "undignified and highly problematic," accusing him of interfering in Germany’s political discourse ahead of February's snap elections. “Authorities should keep a close eye on the goings-on on X,” he said, highlighting concerns over the platform’s role in spreading political agendas.

Christian Lindner, leader of the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), took a more measured tone. Responding directly to Musk, Lindner wrote on X: “Elon, while migration control is crucial, the AfD stands against freedom and business—it’s a far-right extremist party. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for.”

Meanwhile, Scholz dismissed Musk’s comments during a press conference. “Freedom of speech applies to everyone, including multimillionaires,” he said. “But

freedom of speech

also allows one to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice.”

AfD endorsement fuels outrage
Musk’s apparent endorsement of the AfD, a party widely criticized for its far-right stance and anti-immigration policies, has deepened the controversy. Elements of the AfD have been flagged as extremist by Germany’s domestic intelligence services, and mainstream parties refuse to cooperate with it. AfD leader Alice Weidel embraced Musk’s support, tweeting, “Yes! You are perfectly right, @elonmusk!”
Critics, however, have pointed out the AfD’s expulsion from a pan-European group of far-right parties in May following inflammatory remarks by senior party members.
Broader implications
Musk’s commentary has also rekindled debate over his growing

influence on global politics

. This isn’t the first time he’s voiced support for controversial figures and movements, including UK’s Nigel Farage and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.