German Officials Dismiss Elon Musk’s “Fool” Remark About Chancellor Scholz

German officials shrugged off a comment by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who labeled Chancellor Olaf Scholz a “fool” on his social media platform, X, following the collapse of Scholz’s coalition government.

Musk’s remark, “Olaf ist ein Narr,” drew a lighthearted response from government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann, who referenced “Narrenfreiheit,” a term signifying the freedom to act without inhibitions, akin to the liberties enjoyed during Germany’s carnival season.

Chancellor Scholz downplayed Musk’s comment, describing it as “not very friendly” and noting that internet companies are not state entities, thus warranting little attention from him.

This incident is not Musk’s first clash with German officials. Last year, he criticized Berlin-funded migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean, which prompted a stern response from Germany’s foreign ministry. Musk has also shown sympathy for positions held by Germany’s far-right AfD party, which has recently gained electoral traction and popularity.