Following the classification of the AfD as “confirmed right-wing extremist,” the US government has responded with sharp criticism.

Following the decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to classify the AfD as “confirmed right-wing extremist” nationwide, harsh words are now coming from the US. Two prominent Republicans – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance – have accused Germany of authoritarian measures via X (formerly Twitter).

Rubio on X: “This is tyranny in disguise”

In a publicly available post on X on April 26, 2025, Marco Rubio wrote:

“Germany just gave its intelligence agency new powers to spy on the political opposition. This is not democracy, this is tyranny in disguise.”

(Source: Marco Rubio on X, @marcorubio)

Rubio went on to describe the AfD as a “popular party” that came second in the last election. According to Rubio, the real threat is not the AfD, but a “deadly, open border policy” pursued by the established parties.

JD Vance: “New Berlin Wall by the establishment”

Shortly afterwards, US Vice President JD Vance published his own post, also on X, in which he stated:

“The AfD is the most popular party in Germany. Now the bureaucrats are trying to destroy it.”

“The Berlin Wall wasn’t rebuilt by Soviets or Russians — it was rebuilt by the German establishment.”

(Source: JD Vance on X, @JDVance1)

Vance is alluding here to the role of the state in regulating opinion — a comparison that has been widely criticized by political observers.

AfD asks for help – publicly

Immediately after the decision, the AfD district association in Cologne publicly addressed Vance via X:

“JD Vance, please help us!”

(Source: AfD Cologne on X, @AfD_Koeln)

Whether this was a direct response to this appeal or a coordinated campaign is currently unclear.

Background: Constitutional Protection Agency classifies AfD as “confirmed right-wing extremist”

According to an official statement by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution on April 26, 2025, the previous suspected case has been upgraded to a proven case. The classification means that all structures of the AfD – including federal and state associations – may now be monitored by intelligence services.

(Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, press release 04/26/2025)

Head of the agency Thomas Haldenwang spoke of an “extremist character” of the party as a whole, which is evident in its disregard for human dignity and fundamental democratic principles.