Following the resignation of Eva Marie Kogel, editor of the opinion section at Welt am Sonntag, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticized foreign influence in elections, indirectly referencing Elon Musk’s endorsement of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Steinmeier condemned external influences as a threat to democracy, urging voters to make independent choices. The publication of Musk’s provocative article has ignited debates about the AfD’s controversial positions, with calls from political leaders to reject any association with the far-right party, emphasizing the dangers of nationalism and xenophobia.