- Elon Musk’s one-armed gesture at Donald Trump’s inauguration sparks outrage online
- Many on X (formerly Twitter) accuse Musk of performing a Nazi salute
- Musk defends his action, calling the Nazi comparison “tired” and unsubstantiated
- Historians and experts weigh in, calling the gesture a “Sieg Heil” salute
- Musk’s political shift towards the right fuels the controversy surrounding the incident.
Elon Musk’s one-armed gesture during a speech at Donald Trump’s inauguration has caused a wave of outrage online, with many accusing him of performing a Nazi salute. The incident took place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, thanked the crowd for “making it happen.” He then placed his right hand over his heart before extending the same arm straight ahead, a move that many on social media likened to the infamous Nazi salute.
Musk repeated the gesture for those seated behind him, which quickly drew attention on X (formerly Twitter). Several users criticized the move, accusing the Tesla CEO of making a reference to Nazi symbols. In response, Musk fired back on X, claiming the accusation was “tired” and dismissing the idea as “dirty tricks.”
The Gesture Under Scrutiny
The backlash against Musk’s gesture was immediate. Claire Aubin, a historian on Nazism in the U.S., claimed it resembled the “Sieg Heil” salute used during Hitler’s reign. Aubin urged people to trust their instincts, saying, “My professional opinion is that you’re all right, you should believe your eyes.”
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York University history professor specializing in fascism, also chimed in. She called Musk’s gesture a “very belligerent” Nazi salute, emphasizing that it was indeed a Nazi salute. Her comment added fuel to the growing controversy surrounding Musk’s actions.
Andrea Stroppa, a close ally of Musk, shared a video of the gesture. He captioned it, “Roman Empire is back starting from Roman salute,” referencing the Roman salute, which Mussolini’s Fascist Party and later the Nazis used. This connection to Mussolini and Hitler stirred even more tension.
However, Stroppa quickly deleted his post and clarified his comments. He explained that Musk’s gesture was simply an expression of gratitude, not a Nazi salute. Stroppa also highlighted that Musk, who has autism, did not support extremist ideologies and was only trying to show his appreciation.
Musk’s Response
Musk responded to the backlash with his usual defiance. On X, he dismissed the Nazi comparison as “sooo tired.” He also stated, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” further brushing off the allegations. Musk clarified that his intention was not political and that the gesture was made out of genuine enthusiasm for the crowd’s support.
He added, “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured,” after performing the gesture for the second time. Despite the backlash, Musk remained steadfast in his defense, reiterating that the accusation was unfounded.
Context: Musk’s Shift to the Right
Musk’s political shift toward the right has fueled suspicion about his views. He has voiced support for far-right groups like Germany’s AfD and Britain’s Reform UK party. Additionally, his close ties with former President Donald Trump have raised questions about his alignment with far-right movements.
This shift has only made Musk a more polarizing figure. His controversial support for far-right politics and his behavior, including the recent gesture, have drawn increased scrutiny. His actions and statements now spark fierce debates on his ideological stance and its potential impact on his public image.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed comparisons between Musk’s gesture and a Nazi salute. He emphasized that while Europe values free speech, it rejects any form of support for extreme-right ideologies. “We do not accept support for extreme-right positions,” Scholz firmly stated.
Innocent or Inflammatory?
Elon Musk’s controversial one-armed gesture has sparked strong reactions. Critics argue it resembles a Nazi salute, while others, including the Anti-Defamation League, suggest it was an awkward move made in excitement, not malice. The ADL’s lenient interpretation has added fuel to the ongoing debate.
Musk’s defenders emphasize his quirky nature and history of unconventional behavior. They argue that he was simply showing gratitude towards the crowd, dismissing the claims of Nazi symbolism. They believe the gesture was a harmless expression of excitement, despite the controversial appearance.
The incident continues to divide opinion. Some defend Musk’s intent, while others view it as a disturbing reference to Nazi imagery. Musk’s shifting political stances only add to the complexity, as his public persona has become increasingly polarizing, drawing both support and criticism.
As the controversy rages on, Musk remains firm in his defense. Yet, the backlash highlights the challenge faced by public figures who must balance personal expression with public perception, especially when their actions are open to multiple interpretations.