Trump meets far-right German influencers at Mar-a-Lago

In the United States, Donald Trump posed for a photo and shook hands with far-right German influencer Leonard Jäger and convicted far-right politician Rau at Mar-a-Lago on election day, November 5, 2024. Jäger, known online as 'Ketzer der Neuzeit', has garnered a substantial following for his anti-feminist and anti-LGBT videos, while Rau is associated with the far-right political party AfD and has made headlines for his controversial statements and actions, including alleged involvement in professional pornography. Both men have close ties to extremist movements and have articulated anti-democratic sentiments regarding modern Germany. On the day before the elections, they prepared to attend Trump’s Election Night rally, leveraging connections to secure access to the event, which was largely closed to mainstream press outlets. This access was facilitated by a younger activist named Ambrosini, who is implicated in building bridges between European far-right activists and the MAGA movement. Their association reflects a growing trend of international far-right cooperation, showcasing the increasing convergence of these ideologies across borders. On November 5, as Trump celebrated his political motility, the backdrop of his meeting with these figures prompted discussions about the implications of such associations. The gathering highlighted the concerns surrounding democratic values, the influence of extremist ideologies, and the normalization of far-right rhetoric in political spheres. Following their handshake and photo op, the German group chanted in support of Trump, emphasizing a shared ideological framework that resonates with conspiracy theories and anti-establishment sentiments. This interaction at Mar-a-Lago illuminates the unfolding dynamics of the far-right both in the U.S. and Europe, signaling the potential for these elements to further entrench themselves within political systems. As mainstream political discourse increasingly grapples with these fringe movements, the ramifications extend beyond social media provocateurs, posing genuine challenges to democratic institutions and the rule of law.