The internet has erupted with controversy after tech billionaire Elon Musk made gestures during a speech at Donald Trump’s inauguration event that critics have likened to the infamous Nazi salute. The incident occurred in Washington DC’s Capital One Arena on Monday as Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
The controversial gesture
While addressing a crowd of Trump supporters, Musk described the November 4 election results as “no ordinary victory,” framing them as a pivotal moment in human history.
“This was a fork in the road of human civilisation,” Musk declared. “This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen! Thank you.”
During his speech, Musk struck his chest with his right hand before extending his arm upward at an angle, with his palm down and fingers together. He repeated the gesture while turning to face the audience behind him.
Online outrage
The gesture quickly ignited a storm of outrage online, with many accusing Musk of mimicking the Nazi “Sieg Heil” salute.
“This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute,” wrote British journalist Owen Jones on X, formerly known as Twitter. Israeli publication Haaretz also described it as a “‘Roman salute,’ a fascist symbol most commonly associated with Nazi Germany.”
Social media platforms were flooded with similar criticisms, as users condemned the gesture as inappropriate and offensive, especially during such a high-profile event.
Defending musk
However, not everyone interpreted Musk’s actions in the same light. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organisation combating anti-Semitism and hate, came to Musk’s defence.
In a statement, the ADL characterised Musk’s gesture as an “awkward moment of enthusiasm” rather than a deliberate 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’s statement read. “This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Musk himself has not yet addressed the controversy, leaving the public to speculate about his intentions.
Musk’s shift to the right
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s political leanings, which have shifted noticeably toward the right in recent years. Once perceived as apolitical or libertarian, Musk has become an outspoken supporter of Trump and other conservative figures.
Earlier this month, Musk hosted Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on his social media platform X. He previously endorsed the party in Germany’s upcoming national elections, a move that drew criticism from European political observers.
Reports have also emerged alleging that Musk has made significant financial contributions to right-wing political parties across Europe. These include the UK’s Reform Party, known for its hardline stance on immigration and Brexit, and Germany’s AfD, a party that has faced backlash for its controversial positions on immigration and climate policy.
Musk’s growing association with far-right figures has raised concerns among his critics, who accuse him of amplifying divisive rhetoric on his platform and using his influence to sway political discourse.
Divided reactions
The response to Musk’s alleged salute reflects the polarised nature of contemporary politics. While critics have been quick to condemn him, others argue that the incident is being blown out of proportion. Supporters of Musk suggest that his gesture was simply misinterpreted in the heat of the moment.
The incident has once again spotlighted Musk’s ability to dominate headlines, for better or worse. As the world continues to debate the implications of his actions, one thing remains clear: Musk’s words and gestures have significant influence, sparking conversations that resonate far beyond the immediate event.
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A tense political climate
This controversy comes at a time when political tensions in the US and abroad are running high. Trump’s return to the presidency, following a tumultuous election campaign and an assassination attempt, has already set the stage for heightened scrutiny of his supporters and allies.
For Musk, a figure known for his entrepreneurial achievements and unpredictable public persona, this latest incident adds another layer to his increasingly controversial role in politics. Whether it will have lasting repercussions for his reputation or political affiliations remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the debate over Musk’s gesture continues to dominate social media and news cycles, reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding Trump’s inauguration and the broader ideological battles of the modern age.
