German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday criticized billionaire Elon Musk for supporting far-right parties and movements in Europe.
“We have freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany. Everyone can say what they want,” Scholz said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, adding:
“What we do not accept is support for extreme right-wing positions, and I would like to say that again.”
Trump’s adviser immediately responded to Scholz’s comment. On his X profile, he wrote “Oaf Schitz,” a derogatory derivative of Scholz’s first and last name.
The Social Democratic leader made the comments in response to a question about Musk’s controversial right-hand gesture during his speech after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration yesterday.
Musk placed his right hand twice on his chest and then straightened it in a gesture that many compared to the “Sieg Heil” salute used by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and his followers.
Musk denied using the Nazi salute on X.
“Honestly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is so tiresome,” Musk said.
Earlier this month, Musk drew criticism from the German political establishment by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the February 23 election. The German government has accused Musk of trying to influence the election campaign.
