German defense and foreign ministries suspend activity on Elon Musk’s platform

Germany's armed forces, as well as its defense and foreign ministries, have suspended their accounts on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, saying that it has become “increasingly difficult” to engage in a “fact-based exchange of arguments” there.

Germany's defense ministry said Wednesday that it may continue using X to counter disinformation campaigns but will shift its social communications — including announcements on appointments and decisions — to Meta's WhatsApp messenger. Meanwhile, the foreign ministry announced it is transitioning its communications to X competitor Bluesky.

The announcement comes amid accusations that Musk is using X to spread disinformation ahead of Germany’s upcoming general election in February. In a live discussion with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Musk endorsed her policies and encouraged German listeners to vote for the party.

German security services classify AfD as a potentially “extremist” party. Earlier in May, a German court said it found “sufficient evidence” to consider the party a threat to democracy, allowing local intelligence agencies to place it under surveillance. AfD is widely criticized in the country for its racist remarks, as well as its anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

In November, Musk also called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a "fool" after his three-party coalition collapsed. Musk’s comment sparked criticism among German and European authorities.

It remains unclear whether the German ministries’ decision to leave X is linked to Musk’s support for AfD or his previous criticism of German politicians.

The defense ministry stated that one social media platform cannot meet all of its communication needs. Therefore, it will use a mix of platforms — including Instagram, press releases, YouTube and its official website — for future communications.