Elon Musk Criticizes German Media, Calls Chancellor ‘Scheißender Tölpel’
In a recent post on his X platform, Elon Musk, a tech mogul and US government official, criticized the German magazine Der Spiegel, stating that the publication is “corrupt” after receiving funds from Bill Gates. Musk also mocked the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, calling him “Oaf Schitz” or “scheißender Tölpel” which translates to a foolish or incompetent person.
The controversy began when Der Spiegel published an article in October, portraying Musk as a “state enemy number two” for the US government. Musk has since been a frequent target of criticism from the German media and politicians, particularly after he endorsed the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the February elections.
In response, Musk’s followers on X defended his right to free speech, pointing out that the German government and media have been critical of him but have not taken issue with Bill Gates’ financial backing of Der Spiegel.
Musk’s critics, however, have condemned his comments as an attack on the German Chancellor and the country’s democratic institutions. The Berliner Zeitung translated Musk’s remark as “beleidigend” or “insulting” stating that Musk would likely not be friends with Chancellor Scholz after the incident.
In a recent X talk, Musk teased an upcoming live discussion with Alice Weidel, the AfD party leader, which he predicted would leave the German media and politicians “ausrasten” or “losing their minds.