Gernot Döllner, the CEO of Audi, has become the subject of significant controversy in Germany following his participation in a campaign rally alongside Donald Trump in Georgia. The event, which took place shortly before the U.S. midterm elections, was intended to showcase Audi’s multi-billion dollar investment in the state. However, the optics of the appearance have sparked a backlash among internal stakeholders.

Daniela Cavallo, the head of the works council for Volkswagen—Audi’s parent company—has publicly criticized Döllner’s presence at the event. Cavallo condemned the rhetoric used by Trump during the rally, characterizing it as containing elements of racism, sexism, and transphobia, while also accusing the former president of showing contempt for democratic principles. Cavallo argued that Döllner’s decision to appear on stage after hearing such remarks was deeply problematic.

While the primary focus of the controversy remains the political alignment implied by the appearance, the situation highlights the tension between corporate investment strategies in the United States and the political climate in Germany. Döllner has not yet provided a comprehensive public response to the specific criticisms leveled by the works council, though the incident has placed the carmaker in a difficult position regarding its public image in its home market.