AfD Party Seeks Alliance with MAGA Movement Amid Growing Right-Wing Ties

Germany's AfD Seeks Closer Ties with the MAGA Movement: A Tale of Ideological Kinship In a move that has left many in Germany and the United States scratching their heads, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been quietly building bridges with the MAGA movement. The unlikely alliance was forged during a recent visit by Beatrix von Storch, deputy chair of the AfD's parliamentary group, to Washington D.C. in September 2025. Von Storch's trip was shrouded in secrecy until she revealed on social media platform X that she had met with Trump administration officials in a White House annex. The talks, which centered around freedom of expression and censorship, have sparked both curiosity and concern among observers. As von Storch sat down for an interview with Swiss radio station Kontrafunk following her visit, it became clear that the AfD's interest in the MAGA movement goes beyond mere ideological kinship. "They are interested in the restrictions on freedom of speech and censorship in Germany," she stated matter-of-factly. But what von Storch fails to mention is that the AfD's notion of "restrictions on free speech" often translates to court rulings against its politicians for breaking existing laws. In 2024, Björn Höcke, a prominent AfD state leader in Thuringia, was fined twice for using slogans deemed hate speech. The AfD's fixation on freedom of expression is not new. The party has long championed the idea that Germany's strict libel and defamation laws stifle free speech. However, critics argue that these laws are necessary to protect vulnerable groups from hate speech and harassment. As von Storch's visit to Washington D.C. demonstrates, the AfD's quest for ideological allies is not limited to domestic politics. The party has been actively courting like-minded groups across the Atlantic, including the MAGA movement. But what does this alliance mean for Germany and the United States? Experts warn that the convergence of far-right ideologies could have far-reaching consequences for both countries' democratic institutions. "Germany's far right is increasingly emulating American-style populism," warns Dr. Susanne von Bachmann, a leading expert on German politics at Berlin's Free University. "This trend poses significant risks to Germany's liberal democracy and its commitment to human rights." In contrast, some AfD supporters see the alliance as a natural progression of their party's values. "We're not just talking about freedom of expression; we're talking about defending Western civilization against the forces of globalization and multiculturalism," says Hans-Christian Stroebele, an AfD member who has been vocal in his support for von Storch's visit. As the world watches this unlikely alliance unfold, one thing is clear: the convergence of far-right ideologies across borders poses a significant challenge to democratic values. Whether Germany and the United States will be able to navigate these treacherous waters remains to be seen. In the words of Beatrix von Storch, "The talks in Washington were very open, constructive, and goal-oriented." But as the dust settles on this high-stakes diplomatic visit, one question lingers: what exactly are the AfD and MAGA movement trying to achieve together? *Based on reporting by Dw.*