In a fiery critique, Der Spiegel has taken aim at rival publication Die Welt for publishing an op-ed by Elon Musk, alleging the decision was influenced by pro-anti-globalist leanings within the newsroom.
The drama unfolded on January 8, with Der Spiegel claiming to have obtained leaked emails from Die Welt staff expressing concerns over the article, calling it “propaganda” for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), an anti-globalist party currently polling second in Germany.
The op-ed, published in Die Welt’s flagship Sunday edition on January 5, has sparked a wave of criticism. According to Der Spiegel, many within Die Welt suspect the decision came from Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner, despite public denials. The German news giant contended that Döpfner’s alleged admiration for Musk and his broader right-leaning, pro-free-speech views played a role.
Der Spiegel characterized Döpfner’s 2020 interview with Musk as “flirtatious fawning” and suggested that his ideological alignment might be steering Die Welt toward a more conservative editorial stance.
The op-ed has caused ripples beyond media circles. Politicians from Germany’s ruling Social Democrats have slammed Die Welt for publishing what they see as a pro-AfD piece. One senior official called the decision “shameful and dangerous.” Meanwhile, Die Welt’s Comment Editor Eva Marie Kogel resigned shortly after the op-ed’s release, further fueling speculation about internal strife.
Adding to the controversy, Der Spiegel accused Die Welt of planning to consolidate some of its operations with Axel Springer’s other German-language outlets, including Politico and Business Insider. Critics argue this could signal a strategic pivot toward the right.
For its part, Die Welt has remained tight-lipped. Attempts to seek a comment from the publication were met with silence.
The clash between these two major outlets underscores the growing tension in German media as outlets wrestle with polarizing political narratives and the influence of high-profile figures like Musk.
