Elon Musk: The Chaos Agent Fueling Russia’s War on Democracy

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives on Capitol Hill on December 05, 2024 in Washington, DC.(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"Only the AfD Can Save Germany," Declares Elon Musk

After derailing a bipartisan bill in Congress that may lead to a government shutdown, acting President-Elect Elon Musk waded into Germany’s politics by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of a critical snap election. His post on X, “Only the AfD can save Germany,” sparked outrage in Germany as Musk continues his efforts to support Russia’s far-right projects in the U.S. and Europe.

Interestingly enough The Guardian recently reported that on U.S. election night, a group of far-right German nationalists, including AfD candidate Philipp-Anders Rau, met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Their meeting, which largely escaped media attention, underscores Trump’s connections to European far-right factions, the majority of which are funded and supported by Russia.

The AfD, classified as a suspected extremist group by Germany’s domestic intelligence, is projected to secure 19 percent of the vote in February’s election. Musk’s endorsement and recent actions have fueled concerns about his growing influence in Europe, including his talks with Nigel Farage about a potential $127 million donation to Farage's pro-Russian Reform UK party.

Musk’s meddling extends beyond tweets, with secretive ties and calls to Putin and full control over Trump as he assumes the role of acting president-elect. By amplifying nationalist agendas, dismantling democratic norms, and aligning with authoritarian figures, Musk’s actions mirror Russia’s playbook for destabilizing Western democracies and advancing its geopolitical goals.

Musk, Putin, and Acting as a Kremlin Agent

Musk’s support for the AfD cannot be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a larger pattern of behavior aligning with Russian interests. Reports emerged a few months ago of secret calls between Musk and Vladimir Putin, during which the billionaire allegedly discussed a range of topics, from Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine—on which Musk has publicly sided with Russia—to personal matters and broader geopolitics.

This communication, along with Musk’s decision, over the past 2 years, to limit Starlink’s functionality for Ukrainian forces, continues to raise alarming concerns about his role in advancing Moscow’s objectives. Also, recent reports indicate that Starlink technology has been used in Russian drones responsible for killing Ukrainians Musk. He is not a mere bystander but an active agent of influence, using his immense wealth and resources to undermine Western unity and destabilize democratic institutions. His access to U.S. security clearance and numerous government contracts only deepens the gravity of his actions, as he exploits his position to weaken the very systems that uphold democracy. This is nothing short of insanity.

In the United States, Musk has expressed plans to dismantle federal agencies, vowing to fire scores of employees in critical institutions such as the FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice. His agenda also aligns with longstanding Kremlin goals of weakening America’s intelligence and security apparatus, as he runs disinformation and destabilization tactics designed to erode trust in public institutions.

The AfD: Kremlin Ties and a Nationalist Agenda

Musk’s endorsement of the AfD, a party deeply scrutinized for its connections to Moscow, further cements his alignment with Kremlin objectives. The AfD has been under investigation for its documented ties to Russian intelligence-linked lobbyists and handlers, including former members who have close relations with Moscow. Russia has been actively providing financial support and conducting strategic influence operations aimed at advancing its interests within Germany and across Europe. The AfD has also been a vocal advocate for lifting sanctions on Russia and has opposed German military aid to Ukraine, further aligning itself with Kremlin policy.

By supporting the AfD, Musk not only legitimizes a party the Kremlin has vested interest but also emboldens its divisive nationalist agenda, which seeks to fracture European unity. The AfD’s ties to neo-Nazi elements and its embrace of far-right extremism further exacerbates the threat, as it actively undermines democratic values and promotes xenophobia, nationalism, and anti-EU sentiment. Additionally, last year, AfD politician, Russian-born member Olga Petersen, notorious for her pro-Russian stance, fled to Russia after facing scrutiny, with reports suggesting she may have been under investigation. She used her position to publicly call for stronger ties between Germany and Russia and appeared on Russian state TV, in July 2023, to express support for Putin’s policies.

Germany has become a focal point for Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, with Moscow attempting to use far-right movements like the AfD to weaken EU cohesion and sow division within NATO. Musk’s intervention in endorsing the AfD amplifies these efforts, highlighting, again, his participation in Russia’s broader strategic goals as Russia ramps up its aggressions against the West.

A Broader Strategy of Disruption

Musk’s support for far-right movements extends beyond Germany, recently backing Nigel Farage's Reform UK. His ideological and financial backing of these leaders is part of a broader strategy to challenge Western institutions, weaken NATO and European Union unity, and amplify nationalist agendas. Musk’s ownership of X has turned it into a key tool for promoting far-right narratives, disinformation, and anti-democratic rhetoric. Under Musk's leadership, X has increasingly become a platform for Russian disinformation and propaganda, actively interfering in elections and amplifying divisive, anti-democratic narratives.

Musk's growing influence in the U.S. is increasingly alarming as he works to solidify his position within the American political system. His efforts to undermine critical national security agencies are especially troubling given his access to U.S. government contracts and security clearance. By employing a strategy of strategic chaos, Musk’s actions seem to primarily benefit one key player: Russia. Moscow stands to gain from the erosion of Western democratic institutions and the global rise of the far-right.

Given Musk’s increasing power and role as a cutout for Russia, Democrats must urgently investigate his ties to Moscow, his access to U.S. government contracts, and his security clearance.