Florida GOP Representative Supports German Influencer’s Asylum Bid
Florida Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has publicly supported German climate skeptic Naomi Seibt, who is currently seeking asylum in the United States. Seibt claims she is facing political persecution in Germany due to her affiliations with the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Seibt, often referred to as an “anti-Greta Thunberg,” has gained international attention for her climate skepticism and has garnered support from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk. She alleges that her views have led to harassment by German authorities, including claims of surveillance by German intelligence services.
In a recent post on X, Luna expressed her concerns regarding Seibt’s situation, stating she had reviewed documentation related to the asylum case. Luna indicated that Seibt could face imprisonment or physical danger if she returns to Germany. “It is clear that, due to her support for President Donald Trump and her refusal to conform to leftist ideology, she has been targeted and could face imprisonment or physical danger if she returns to Germany,” Luna wrote.
Luna intends to assist Seibt further and plans to communicate with the U.S. Secretary of State about her case. She emphasized the alarming nature of Seibt’s claims regarding targeting by German intelligence and government officials, asserting that Seibt was penalized for advocating on behalf of the German people and supporting the AfD.
Seibt has previously made controversial statements, including a false claim in November 2020 that COVID-19 had not been isolated and that PCR tests were unreliable. Her rise to prominence began following a speech at the European Institute for Climate and Energy’s International Climate and Energy Conference, which drew comparisons to Thunberg by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. She later joined The Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based think tank known for its advocacy against mainstream climate science, to enhance its climate-skeptic outreach.
As Seibt’s asylum bid unfolds, it occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration setting the annual refugee admissions cap for the United States at just 7,500, with a particular focus on individuals from South Africa. This represents a notable decrease from previous years and reflects a more stringent approach to immigration and refugee admissions by the current Republican administration.
In response to her situation, Seibt has claimed that the German government is complicit in “supporting left-wing violence” and silencing dissent through measures that include mass house raids. Similarly, Luna remarked on X, stating, “The very same German government that claims to fight Nazism is acting like the secret police. If you share a meme, you may go to jail. If you criticize a politician, you could face retribution or imprisonment.”
As this case garners attention, the implications for both Seibt and the broader discussion on freedom of expression and political persecution in Europe are significant. The outcome of Seibt’s asylum application may spark further debates on the intersection of politics, climate change, and individual rights.
