Musk's verbal attacks on President Steinmeier spark tensions in German-American ties

Recent remarks by US billionaire Elon Musk targeting German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have raised concerns over the potential strain on German-American relations. Rolf Mützenich, the leader of the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag, criticized Musk for crossing "a line between friendly nations."

"Steinmeier represents Germany in international law. The verbal attacks on the Federal President are therefore aimed at all citizens," Mützenich told Der Spiegel, Caliber.Az reports.

Musk's inflammatory remarks began on New Year's Eve when he posted on his platform X: "Steinmeier is an anti-democratic tyrant. Shame on him." This was not the first time Musk had made controversial statements regarding German politics. Following the collapse of the coalition government in November, Musk took to X to label Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) as a "fool," and after the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market, Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool" who should resign.

Additionally, Musk recently courted controversy with a guest article in Welt am Sonntag, where he controversially expressed support for the far-right AfD. Musk, who is a special envoy for incoming US President Donald Trump, is expected to take office at the end of January.

Mützenich has called on the German government to seek clarification from the US administration after Trump takes office. "We need clarity on whether the repeated disrespect, defamation, and interference in the election campaign were expressed on behalf of the new US government," he stated. Mützenich emphasized the importance of "an unburdened relationship between us and the USA" in addressing global challenges.

Mützenich also took aim at Christian Lindner, the leader of the FDP, for his recent support of Musk. "I don't understand why Mr. Lindner repeatedly seeks closeness to Elon Musk and praises his politics," Mützenich remarked. "The FDP should quickly end its courting of a questionable businessman and political advisor."

The ongoing verbal sparring between Musk and German political figures is likely to remain a point of tension in German-American relations, especially as the new US administration takes shape.

By Vugar Khalilov