BERLIN — A substantial delegation of politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is scheduled to visit Washington in December, as confirmed by U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna. This visit comes following an invitation extended by a group of House Republicans, highlighting a growing connection between German far-right leaders and U.S. MAGA Republicans.
The invitation reflects a strategic move by AfD representatives, who are increasingly seeking support from American lawmakers as they portray themselves as victims of political persecution and censorship within Germany. “It’s 40 members that we’re hosting from the AfD,” Luna stated in an interview with Welt, which is affiliated with POLITICO. “And it’s not just going to be me, it’s going to be other members of Congress as well.”
Controversies surrounding the AfD
While Luna claims a large delegation will be present, a spokesperson for the AfD expressed uncertainty about the number of party lawmakers traveling to the U.S. next month, indicating that the actual figure may be lower. This visit comes amid heightened tensions, as the German government recently classified the AfD as an extremist organization, a designation that has drawn criticism from U.S. officials.
“The German government’s recent actions against its own citizens resemble the authoritarianism of the Soviet Union prior to its fall more than Russia does today,” Luna remarked, emphasizing her support for the AfD’s narrative.
Support for the AfD has also emerged from figures associated with the Trump administration. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Germany’s domestic intelligence agency’s designation of the AfD as an extremist party, labeling it “tyranny in disguise.” In a parallel context, during the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance encouraged European leaders to dismantle the “firewalls” that prevent far-right parties from participating in governance.
Implications of the visit
Germany’s postwar constitution permits domestic intelligence agencies to monitor political entities deemed extremist, with the potential to ban such parties. This framework was established to thwart any resurgence of anti-democratic movements similar to the Nazi regime. The AfD leadership perceives the upcoming visit to Washington as a pivotal opportunity to bolster their domestic legitimacy regarding claims of persecution.
In a recent social media post, Luna invited AfD co-leader Alice Weidel to Washington, to which Weidel responded positively, indicating her eagerness to discuss future arrangements. Additionally, Luna has engaged with Naomi Seibt, a right-wing influencer associated with the AfD who has claimed asylum in the U.S., alleging government surveillance and harassment due to her political stance. “I think that she [Seibt] is a great young woman, and I do think that she has a promising future whatever she decides to do, and so we’ll be fully backing her,” Luna remarked.
Luna expressed her commitment to supporting individuals like Seibt, emphasizing the need for open dialogue regarding how the German government treats dissenting citizens. Following the December visit, Luna indicated that a larger conference focusing on national sovereignty is also planned for early next year, which will aim to challenge perspectives established at the Davos summit.
Julius Brinkmann contributed to this report from Washington.