American tech billionaire Elon Musk made a surprise address at the campaign launch for Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as thousands of people gathered across the country to protest the rise of the far-right party.

The AfD party is polling at about 20% before Germany's February 23 elections, a record for a party. The mainstream conservative CDU/CSU alliance leads with about 30%.

Thousands of Germans have protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party ahead of a Feb. 23 general election

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters turned out against the AfD across Germany as the European nation prepares to head to legislative elections.

BERLIN — Thousands of Germans protested in Berlin and other cities on Saturday against the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of a February 23 general election.

Elon Musk made waves by endorsing Germanys far-right AfD (Alternative fr Deutschland) during a campaign event in Halle. Speaking via video to 4,500 attendees alongside AfD leader Alice Weidel, Musk emphasized

The tech billionaire and Trump adviser has drawn rebukes for repeatedly endorsing the AfD in the leadup to Germany’s snap election next month.

Billionaire and Trump administration insider Elon Musk spoke virtually to a crowd of supporters of the far-right AfD party in Halle, Germany on Saturday, telling Germans to let go of “past guilt” in his strongest endorsement of the party yet.