The recent live discussion between Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), and Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), became a hot topic in both Germany and internationally. Musk, one of the most recognizable figures in tech, hosted the event on his platform, and Weidel didn’t miss the chance to frame her controversial political stance for a massive audience. (Kramer, 2025). But why is this conversation so significant, and what does it tell us about propaganda in the modern era?
The Context of the Conversation
The AfD, a right-wing populist party, has gained momentum in recent years, partly through its adept use of social media to disseminate its messages. Within the conversation, Musk expressed support for the AfD, describing it as the only party capable of “saving Germany.” Weidel however tried to use the platform to criticize past German leadership, labeling Angela Merkel as a “green chancellor” who allegedly caused significant harm to the country. However, one of the most controversial moments came when Weidel claimed Adolf Hitler was a communist, a statement Musk did not challenge but appeared to agree with.
This statement again showed the spread of historical inaccuracies, which are a hallmark of propaganda tactics. By distorting facts, such statements are intended to provoke reactions, attract attention, and create a favorable narrative for their supporters.
Social Media as a Propaganda Tool
Social media platforms like X allow public figures to bypass traditional media channels and connect directly with audiences. This can empower marginalized voices, but it can also provide fertile ground for disinformation to spread unchecked. Algorithms amplify controversial or engaging content, meaning provocative or false statements often reach a wider audience simply because they generate reactions – be it outrage or support (Menczer, n.d.).
Musk’s ownership of X complicates matters further. As a prominent entrepreneur and influential figure, his public support for political entities can lend credibility to their messages, regardless of their validity. This dynamic emphasizes the fuzzy boundaries between personal opinion, platform governance, and corporate influence.
Lessons from History
The use of propaganda to influence public opinion is not new and has been around for quit some time. As mentioned in previous blog posts during the Nazi era, Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s chief propagandist, effectively used radio, film, and print media to spread the regime’s ideology (Deutschland, n.d.). While the mediums have changed, the underlying principles remain similar: controlling the narrative, evoking strong emotions, and repeating messages to create a sense of inevitability.
The Characteristics of Modern Propaganda
Propaganda has evolved significantly in the digital age. Today, it often relies on emotional appeals, oversimplified narratives, and repetition to resonate with audiences. The conversation between Musk and Weidel demonstrates these tactics:
- Emotional Appeals: By portraying Merkel’s policies as a problem and presenting the AfD as Germany’s savior, the discussion taps into fears about the future of the nation
- Historical Revisionism: Weidel’s claim about Hitler distorts historical facts to provoke outrage and attract attention, which is a common propaganda technique
- Repetition and Amplification: Social media algorithms reward engagement, which means that controversial posts are likely to reach a larger audience through sharing and commenting, regardless of their accuracy
The Risks of Unregulated Platforms
Musk’s leadership of X has been criticized for its laissez-faire approach to content moderation. Critics argue that this policy allows harmful content, including propaganda and hate speech, to flourish unchecked. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) seeks to address these concerns by holding platforms accountable for illegal content and public safety risks (Digital Services Act: Ensuring a Safe and Accountable Online Environment, n.d.). The Musk-Weidel conversation has already prompted investigations into whether X violated the DSA (Keskin, 2025b).
Without regulation, platforms like X risk becoming megaphones for disinformation or fake news. This not only distorts public discourse but also undermines trust in legitimate media and democratic institutions, making it difficult to decide between fake and truth. The DSA represents a step toward addressing these issues, but its enforcement will be critical.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
Combating propaganda requires more than just regulating certain media on social platforms. Media literacy is essential. People need tools to critically evaluate what they see online. This includes recognizing manipulative tactics, checking sources, and understanding the algorithms that shape their feeds. For example, if viewers had better media literacy skills, they might question Weidel’s outlandish claims about Hitler or consider why Musk’s endorsement of the AfD matters. Hereby education systems and public campaigns can play a vital role in building this awareness for a younger audience.
Conclusion
The conversation between Elon Musk and Alice Weidel is a strong reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media in shaping political discourse nowadays. It illustrates how influential figures can use these platforms to spread their messages, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. As social media continues to evolve, so too will the methods of those who seek to manipulate it for their own benefits.
Sources:
Kramer, K. (2025, January 10). Elon Musk und Alice Weidel bei X: Warum das Gespräch so banal war. FAZ.NET. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/medien/elon-musk-und-alice-weidel-bei-x-warum-das-gespraech-so-banal-war-110222209.html
Digital Services Act: ensuring a safe and accountable online environment. (n.d.). Eurojust. https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/de/publication/digital-services-act-safe-and-accountable-online-environment#:~:text=The%20Digital%20Services%20Act%20(DSA,safe%20and%20trusted%20online%20environment.
Keskin, S. (2025b, January 14). Medienbericht: Musk-Weidel-Talk löst EU-Überprüfung aus. Medienbericht: Musk-Weidel-Talk Löst EU-Überprüfung Aus. https://www.trtdeutsch.com/politik-inland/medienbericht-musk-weidel-talk-lost-eu-uberprufung-aus-18253627
Menczer, F. (n.d.). Facebook’s algorithms fueled massive foreign propaganda campaigns during the 2020 election – here’s how algorithms can manipulate you. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/facebooks-algorithms-fueled-massive-foreign-propaganda-campaigns-during-the-2020-election-heres-how-algorithms-can-manipulate-you-168229
Deutschland, S. D. H. M. S. H. D. G. D. B. (n.d.). Gerade auf LeMO gesehen: LeMO Das lebendige Museum Online. https://www.dhm.de/lemo/biografie/joseph-goebbels
