German Far-Right Party Seeks U. S. Allies

In Germany, a far-right party called AfD is making waves. It's not popular at home, but it's trying to make friends in the U. S. The AfD, labeled as extremist by German intelligence, has met with U. S. officials. This is unusual for a far-right party from an allied country. The AfD is close to Trump's MAGA movement. They share ideas about immigration and political freedom. At a private event in New York, AfD members sang Germany's national anthem. The lyrics are controversial because they were used by the Nazis. The AfD is gaining support in Germany. They are close to winning a state election. This worries many Germans. Some see the AfD's rise as similar to the Nazi party's rise in the 1930s. The AfD is shunned in Europe. But they found support in the U. S. Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio have spoken out in their favor. The AfD uses these comments to pressure the German government. The AfD has been working on U. S. ties for years. The New York Young Republican Club has helped. Some club members now work in the Trump administration. The club has met with other far-right European parties. The AfD's goal is to gain international support. They want to challenge what they call undemocratic treatment at home. But many Germans are alarmed by the AfD's actions and ties.