Elon Musk doing the Nazi salute (Credit: AFP)
VIDEO: Elon Musk performs Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, found himself at the center of controversy on Monday after making fascist gestures during celebrations for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.
Musk, a prominent Trump supporter and advisor, addressed the crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., delivering remarks that drew widespread attention.
In his speech, Musk praised Trump’s vision, stating, “It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured. We’re gonna have safe cities, finally safe cities. Secure borders, sensible spending. Basic stuff. And we’re gonna take ‘Doge’ to Mars,” referencing the Department of Government Efficiency initiative he was appointed to oversee.
“I just want to say thank you for making it happen,” Musk told the audience, expressing gratitude to Trump supporters. During his speech, Musk struck his chest with an open hand before extending his arm in an upward diagonal motion. This action, repeated moments later for a second time, was criticized for resembling the Sieg Heil, or a Nazi salute, a gesture historically associated with Adolf Hitler’s regime.
While Musk’s gestures did not include any chants typically associated with the salute, their visual similarity sparked debate. Social media platforms quickly became a battleground for reactions, with some defending Musk and others condemning his actions.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian at New York University, called the gesture “a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one too.”
Historian of fascism here. That was a Nazi salute - and a very belligerent one too https://t.co/PB9sFCVJGA
— Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) January 20, 2025
Some came to Musk’s defense, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, which raised eyebrows across the Internet.
The ADL stated that Musk had made an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute.”
“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath,” the ADL posted on X.
This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.
— ADL (@ADL) January 20, 2025
It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on…
However, this stance was criticized by US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who accused the ADL of hypocrisy and defending unacceptable behavior.
“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” she said in a post on X. "People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all."
Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 21, 2025
People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all. https://t.co/0gLdMCU3UV
Public anxiety skyrocketed online. For many, Musk’s actions highlight growing fears about the normalization of extremist symbols, far-right ideologies, and rhetoric in American public life.
Here are some online reactions:
Elon Musk is a fucking Nazi. This will likely be my final day in this fucking Nazi platform.
— (@AntiTrumpCanada) January 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/EQF9jJ8vLr
If giving the Nazi "Sieg Heil" salute was an Olympic event like gymnastics, Elon Musk would've received a perfect score of 10. Musk even nailed the facial expression. Seriously, Hitler would be jealous. pic.twitter.com/nBxl1Gn1nx
— Bill Madden (@maddenifico) January 20, 2025
Within hours of Donald Trump taking the oath of office, billionaire Elon Musk gave the Nazi salute during his speech at an inauguration rally.
— Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) January 20, 2025
It was not an accident or a mistake, he did it twice.
Way to go America pic.twitter.com/5NjaU5xF1w
I just dropped to my knees and started crying, what has this country become I can’t anymore
— tiz (@tiznah) January 20, 2025
yeaaa america is so cooked
— Slumpii (@ItsSlumpii) January 20, 2025
its ok though he's pro israel!!!! dont worry guys!!!! https://t.co/YOvVIic6pv
— hasanabi (@hasanthehun) January 20, 2025
— Tory (@cutietoryxo) January 20, 2025
